One of the most anticipated fights of the year is approaching: 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring on July 19 to challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
A month before the highly anticipated return of Manny Pacquiao, Mario Barrios is not mincing his words. The WBC welterweight champion admits to feeling surprised and offended by what he interprets as a gesture of contempt on the part of the legendary Filipino
Barrios speaks out about his fight against Manny Pacquiao: Honor or disrespect?
In this clash full of history and tension, Barrios says:
It’s a great honor, but I don’t know if it’s out of respect or contempt that he chose me
Mario Barrios acknowledged that at first he felt excitement at announcing the fight with a figure like Pacquiao. However, that feeling gave way to uncertainty. He himself revealed the discomfort of being chosen, almost as a tactical step, and not necessarily on his own merit.
Despite being annoyed by what he perceives as a calculating attitude, Mario Barrios remains respectful of Manny Pacquiao‘s career and stresses that we will see “bad intentions” when the bell rings. In other words, this matchup will be both emotional and physical.
Mario Barrios vs a “retired” Pacquiao
Pacquiao returns after 4 years of retirement and was placed directly in the top 5 of the WBC welterweight rankings, which prompted criticism and accusations of favoritism. Barrios interprets this situation as a sign that the clash may have been planned from the start
Two generations of boxing collide, Mario Barrios vs Pacquiao
At 46 years old and with a legendary career, Pacquiao returns to the ring full of physical question marks. According to Sugar Ray Leonard, the hardest thing is to mentally adjust to the pressure of a professional fight after so long out. Mario Barrios, at just 30 years old, represents energy and youth. The contrast will be total.
Mario Barrios has the advantage in height and reach, attributes he plans to maximize. He made it clear:
If I see that I have it, it’s kill or be killed
- Nothing will be spared in the quest to retain the belt. Pacquiao carries a legend, but also a body that has faced decades of battles. The challenge will be to prove that he can come back with strength and mental clarity, not just emotion. Supported by his history and advice from figures such as Leonard, he knows that his psychology will be key.
- On July 19, we will see more than just a fight: we will see a powerful drama. The mix of history, adventure and ambition makes this fight more than just a sporting one. Mario Barrios faces Manny Pacquiao and his message is clear about being underestimated.
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