A year ago, for World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario ‘El Azteca’ Barrios what was being proposed as a title fight against Filipino boxing legend Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Pacquiao would have sounded crazy but the challenge was too big for the American fighter and he now prepares to face his opponent “in his prime.”
It still does as Barrios, now only 30 years of age, carries a 29-2-1 record with 18 knockouts out of 29 wins. In his last three fights, El Azteca emerged victorious against Puerto Rican Jovanie ‘El Lobito’ Santiago, World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight title holder Yordenis ’54 Milagros’ Ugás of Cuba and finally the heavy-handed Fabian ‘TNT’ Maidana of Argentina.
Point of consideration in the upcoming championship bout is that after all, Pacquiao—celebrated as one of the greatest champions and most charismatic figures of his era—looked old in his last fight four years ago against the very same Cuban Ugás whom Barrios had already beaten. To date, the People’s Champ at 46, is considered a senior citizen, even in the anything-goes sport of boxing.
A year ago, Pacquiao had more important things on his mind than a return to the ring. After an unsuccessful run for president in his native Philippines in 2022, Pacquiao set his sights this past spring on a second run as a senator, but he eventually lost that race, too, prompting Pacquiao the politician to refocus on his passion—boxing—and a fight against Barrios.
The title bout between the San Antonio fighter (29-2-1, 18 KOs) versus The Pac-Man (62-8-2, 39 KOs) Is scheduled on July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Crazy as it may seem for boxing aficionados, for Barrios, the concept of facing the Filipino boxing icon is not absurd in the least as he maintains a deep respect for the only eight-division champion, despite Pacquiao’s advanced age.
“Manny’s still Manny. He’s a legend for a reason. I’m preparing as if I’m fighting Manny in his prime,” the American champion enthused during a break in his training.
