WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios stretches as he works out at Pound 4 Pound Gym on June 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Barrios is scheduled to defend his title against new International Boxing Hall of Fame member Manny Pacquiao, who announced he was coming out of retirement nearly four years after his last fight, on July 19 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines–Only time will tell whether a vintage Manny Pacquiao or a version that is a shell of his former self shows up in his comeback fight on July 19 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Either way, Mario Barrios isn’t leaving anything to chance.
READ: Mario Barrios unfazed by Pacquiao’s prestige: ‘He’s just another man’
Barrios is bracing to defend his WBC welterweight title against the Pacquiao of old–the relentless, lightning quick and unpredictable fighter last seen against Keith Thurman six years ago.
“I think inactivity for most fighters even in their prime it plays a big factor in their fights especially given his age,” said Barrios during a media workout at Pound 4 Pound Gym in Las Vegas when asked about Pacquiao’s return from a four-year retirement.
“We’re just gonna see on fight night but that’s not even something I try to think of during camp. I’m just trying to prepare for the best version of Pacquiao that I might possibly see.”
Pacquiao had said the long break did him more good than harm as it allowed him to rest his body after decades-long of fighting.
READ: 46-year-old Pacquiao ‘not an easy fight’ for Mario Barrios–Juan Manuel Marquez
The last time Pacquiao appeared in an official bout was in August 2021 when he suffered a stunning unanimous decision loss to Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas after a lackluster performance. He announced his retirement a month later and ran for the Philippine presidency in 2022.
Pacquiao lost his bid for Senate reelection in the midterm elections last May–an undesired result that had him reset his sights back on his boxing career and got his ring return officially off and running.
A victory over Barrios will make the 46-year-old Pacquiao one of the oldest boxers to win a world title. Although, that’s easier said than done especially against an opponent with a lot to prove.
“He’s trying to do something that not a lot of fighters have so as a fighter I respect it but again, I’m a champion for a reason and I’m just looking to continue to prove why I’m holding the WBC belt,” Barrios said.
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