Manny Pacquiao is set to make his return on July 19, facing Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. The Filipino legend has a long list of achievements in boxing.
He boasts a professional record of 62-8-2 with 39 knockout wins. Pacquiao remains the only fighter to win world titles in eight weight divisions.
‘Pacman’, though, has not competed since his 2021 defeat to Yordenis Ugas. His last win inside the boxing ring was in 2019, against Keith Thurman.
Pacquiao and Barrios faced off for the first time following a recent press conference in Las Vegas. Barrios appeared noticeably bigger than ‘Pacman’ when they squared off. This has led to debate as to who will emerge victorious in the bout.
Floyd Mayweather’s uncle picks Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios winner
Floyd Mayweather’s uncle, Jeff Mayweather, is backing Pacquiao to get the job done against Barrios. Speaking to FightHype, he said: “I don’t think Barrios is going to win. I think Manny is going to win. Yes [Convincingly].”
Mayweather, though, is critical of Pacquiao getting an immediate title shot against Barrios after a four-year hiatus. He thinks it’s unfair to other contenders in the division who are looking to climb up the rankings ladder.
He added: “It’s shocking. To be honest, it’s unfair to guys who have fought to try to rise up the ranks. That’s not cool.”
He further labelled Pacquiao’s return as a ‘money grab’, saying: “Manny’s Manny. So, he can come back and do [it]. I mean, it’s a money grab.”
Mayweather has previously fought Pacquiao back in 2015. They clashed as two of the most accomplished fighters of the modern era, and ‘Money’ Mayweather walked away with a unanimous decision win.
Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios: A closer look
Barrios is the current WBC welterweight champion and has held the title since June 2024. At 30, he is significantly younger than Pacquiao. ‘El Azteca’ has a professional record of 29-2-1 with 18 knockout wins.
Pacquiao and Barrios share two common opponents. Ugas, who beat Pacquiao back in 2021, suffered a unanimous decision loss to Barrios in 2023.
Meanwhile, Barrios was beaten by Thurman in 2022. Pacquiao beat Thurman via split decision in 2019.
Physically, Barrios is taller than Pacquiao. Standing at 183 cm, he holds a 17cm height advantage over 166 cm Pacquiao. He has a 71″ reach, four inches more than Pacquiao.
Pacquiao is the more experienced and accomplished fighter. However, ‘Pacman’ might be running a race against the ageing clock.