Manny Pacquiao is stepping back into the ring, and the boxing world couldn’t be more excited. After nearly four years since his last bout, the 46-year-old Filipino legend is set to challenge Mario Barrios for the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title this Saturday night.
Once one of the most dominant fighters on the planet, Pacquiao built a massive fanbase and a gold-standard resume that earned him a place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame last month. Now, he’s eager to prove that he’s still got the passion and discipline that made him a global icon.
“Saturday night, it’s going to be a great fight,” Pacquiao said during a recent press conference. “It’s been a while that I’ve been out of the ring, but I’m still active and exercising all the time. I’m going to prove to everyone that I’m in great condition. I’ve been enjoying training camp like I did in the past, just like when I was 26 years old. The discipline is still the same. Even with my layoff, my passion is still there.”
Barrios, a 30-year-old from San Antonio, isn’t taking this challenge lightly. Despite being the favorite to spoil Pacquiao’s return, he acknowledges the legend’s unparalleled skill. “Manny is one of a kind,” Barrios said. “He’s not an easy style to copy in training camp. We’ve gotten a lot of different southpaw looks, so I’m feeling extremely comfortable. It feels amazing to be in this position. I poured everything into this sport since I was a kid, and now I get to walk the Las Vegas Strip with my family and see my name all over. It’s something that I’ve always dreamed of. Now it’s my job to show why I’m going to continue to be the champion.”
The atmosphere leading up to the fight has been surprisingly amiable, with both fighters sharing laughs during the customary face-off. But don’t let the mutual respect fool you—both Pacquiao and Barrios are prepared to give it their all when the bell rings.
In the co-main event, WBC super welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora (21-1-1, 14 KOs) faces off against Tim Tszyu (25-2, 18 KOs) in a highly anticipated rematch. Fundora previously secured a split-decision victory against Tszyu in March 2024, and this showdown promises to be just as electrifying.
As fight night approaches, fans around the world are eager to see if Pacquiao can reclaim his former glory or if Barrios will solidify his place at the top. One thing is certain—this is a night of boxing you won’t want to miss.
