Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios face off during a press conference in Los Angeles.–Photo from PBC
MANILA, Philippines–Manny Pacquiao believes his years of boxing inactivity allowed him to rejuvenate ahead of his July 19 comeback fight.
Pacquiao, 46, ended a four-year retirement to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title in Las Vegas.
READ: Pacquiao ‘not an easy fight’ for Mario Barrios–Juan Manuel Marquez
Manny Pacquiao and WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios meet during a press conference in LA. @INQUIRERSports | 🎥 Team Pacquiao pic.twitter.com/36QJEX6kl2
— Mark Giongco (@MarkGiongcoINQ) June 3, 2025
“It’s really a big help for me to rest for four years,” said Pacquiao during a press conference in Los Angeles.
The former pound-for-pound king last fought as a pro in August 2021 when he lost the WBO crown to Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas but said he has remained in shape despite being away from the ring.
“During that time I always work out whether it’s boxing, basketball or badminton,” he said.
Pacquiao insisted his age won’t hinder him from putting on a show just like old times.
READ: Roach: Manny Pacquiao ‘can do it’ in ‘tough road’ to comeback fight
Pacquiao, 46, says his retirement was a “big help” for him to rejuvenate. “I feel young.” @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/4tVcqN0wj3
— Mark Giongco (@MarkGiongcoINQ) June 3, 2025
“But my body, I feel young. Like I said, I always bring surprises to the fans in every fight so this fight, I’m sure that me and Barrios can bring a good fight to the fans.”
Pacquiao is expected have his work cut out for him fighting against much younger and taller Barrios, who holds a record of 29-2-1 with 18 knockouts.
Boxing’s only eight-division champion opened as a clear underdog against the 30-year-old Barrios.
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