Nearly four years after his last professional fight, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring on Saturday night, where he will face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in a title bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The beloved fighter, 46, known to many as “PacMan” is giving up four inches in reach (71 inches vs. 67 inches), more than six inches in height (6-foot to 5-foot-5-1/2) and more than 16 years in age to Barrios, who will defend his belt for the second time.
Pacquiao (62-8-2) already holds the record for most titles. A win Saturday would extend his mark to 13 across eight weight classes.
While preparing for the fight, Pacquiao has said he has retained his passion for the sport and the hunger to be a champion once again.
“I’m still active in terms of exercise, training like (a boxer). The fans might be worried about my condition, but that’s what I need to prove,” the Filipino fighter said at a press conference Wednesday.
Pacquiao lost his last pro fight in a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas on Aug. 21, 2021. His most recent pro win came six years ago this Sunday against Keith Thurman in the same arena where he’ll fight Saturday.
In the interim, Pacquiao has fought in two exhibition matches. The last took place on July 28, 2024. It was a three-round bout against Japanese MMA fighter Rukiya Anpo. With no judges scoring, the match was ruled a draw as neither fighter delivered a knockout.
Pacquiao fought at 152 pounds in the fight. The welterweight class goes up to 147.
The former Philippine senator, who fell short in a May election to return to office, is no stranger to Vegas. He’s fought there 22 times over the past 24 years.
Wednesday’s press conference was cordial between the camps, but Barrios (29-2-1) said the pleasantries will end once the two enter the ring.
“I can’t think of anything bad to say about him, other than he’s facing me for my title,” the Mexican-American fighter told reporters. “It’s all smiles right now. It has been during this whole lead-up, but come fight night, you know that smile, it’s not going to be on his face anymore, and neither will mine.”
There will be scores of fans hoping that Pacquiao can reclaim his magic once more. However, it’s Barrios, who fought Abel Ramos to a draw last November to keep the belt, who comes into the match as a heavy favorite.
The weigh-in for the bout will take place on Friday.
–Field Level Media
