Manny Pacquiao Seeks Glory: Return to the Ring Against Mario Barrios
The legendary Manny Pacquiao, after almost four years of absence, is preparing for a new challenge. The Filipino boxer will face Mario Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, seeking to add a new chapter to his already historic career. The fight will be for the WBC welterweight title.
Pacquiao, through his social media, confirmed his return with a clear message: “I’m back! Let’s make history!”.
The last time Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) stepped into the ring was in August 2021, where he lost by unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas. At that time, he was 42 years old. Now, at 46 years old, he will seek to prove that age is just a number.
Pacquiao, who will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 8, aims to break his own record as the oldest welterweight world champion (40 years, 215 days). Only two boxers have won world titles at age 46 or older: George Foreman and Bernard Hopkins.
The key for Pacquiao will be his athleticism, an aspect that has been fundamental to his success. In his last fights, his speed, which was once blazing, has shown signs of decline.
According to statistics, Pacquiao has thrown fewer punches per round and landed fewer significant punches in his recent fights after turning 40, compared to his previous bouts. This reflects a change in his performance.
Defeating Barrios represents a significant challenge for the only world champion in eight boxing divisions. Barrios, standing at 6 feet tall, will be the tallest opponent Pacquiao has faced in his professional career, which began in 1995. Furthermore, Barrios is 16 years younger than Pacquiao, representing the largest age difference for the four-time welterweight champion.
Time will be Pacquiao’s biggest rival in the ring. To achieve victory, Pacquiao has reassembled his original team, including trainer Freddie Roach, with whom he will seek a game plan to overcome Barrios.
Pacquiao will need to find the “fountain of youth” to achieve victory. His success throughout his career was based on his speed and explosiveness, quick combinations, and unpredictable angles. However, as his speed diminished, less skilled boxers managed to overcome him.
In his most recent fight against Ugas, Pacquiao showed less explosiveness and his footwork was affected. The fight against Barrios will be about Pacquiao regaining his former form and overcoming his opponent’s physical advantages.
Barrios, although formidable, is not invincible. In his last fight, he achieved a split draw against Abel Ramos. Barrios often tries to counter his height and reach advantage. His knockout loss to Gervonta Davis in 2021 demonstrated his vulnerability to shortening the distance with shorter opponents. Furthermore, Barrios can be outmaneuvered by faster rivals.
The confrontation between Pacquiao and Barrios promises to be an event full of emotion and expectation, where Pacquiao’s experience and legacy will face Barrios’ youth and ambition.
