Manny Pacquiao To Potentially Return Against Mario Barrios
Multi-divisional champion Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39KO) is looking to add to his legacy in a possible WBC title fight with Interim welterweight champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios (29-2, 18KO). Moreover, Pac Man may have hinted at retiring after the contest.
The boxing community is in a frenzy after reports from ESPN claimed that Pac Man is seeking to fight El Azteca. The Filipino hasn’t been in the ring since losing to one-time WBA champion Yordenis Ugas in August 2021. The question that fans will ask is: why now? Why Barrios?
HE WANTS TO GO OUT MAKING HISTORY
In a statement to ESPN, Pacquiao gave his reason for wanting to return to the ring.
“I made history at 40 beating Keith Thurman, and I feel, at 45, I have a lot left in the game as I haven’t taken a lot of punishment over the last few years. I want to go out making history.”
That last statement by Pacquiao could be an admission that he plans on retiring after the fight. Like many fighters, it is no surprise he wants to leave the sport on top. The WBC recently placed Terence Crawford as champion-in-recess status. This means the organization will elevate Barrios to full champion, making the potential fight with Pacquiao a title fight.
On May 4, the Texan captured the Interim title after defeating Ugas in 2023. In his last outing, he put on a solid performance with a victory over Fabian Madiana on May 4.
Does Pacquiao, at 45 years old, have one last great performance left? 3kings Boxing will continue to monitor this story and provide any further updates.
