Boxing corridor of famer Manny Pacquiao says he’s nonetheless stuffed with struggle as he approaches his ring return towards Mario Barrios. The competition headlines a PPV card at MGM Grand Backyard Enviornment in Las Vegas on July 19. Pacquiao challenges Barrios for his WBC welterweight title.
Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) makes his first ring look since August 2021, when he suffered a unanimous resolution defeat towards Yordenis Ugas. The 46-year-old eight-division champion from the Philippines says he “actually missed boxing” and is able to go the “additional mile” to as soon as once more change into champion.
“The hearth, willpower and eagerness to work laborious continues to be there,” Manny Pacquiao stated on the press convention at The NOVO at L.A. Stay on Tuesday. “I’m nonetheless having fun with working the mountains. Not each fighter has this sense. It is a blessing, as a result of I’ve been by way of so many large fights in my profession and I’m nonetheless right here. I’m again.”
“To the boxing followers everywhere in the world, thanks for accepting me once more. I hope that on July 19 this struggle will entertain everybody. Everybody right here goes to work laborious of their coaching camp in order that the followers are joyful on July 19.”
“Barrios is the type of fighter who provides individuals good fights. Me and him collectively within the ring will fulfill the followers and that’s what I need.”
“It might imply so much for me to change into world champion once more. Manny Pacquiao is all the time giving surprises to the followers. That’s my ardour and it’s actually essential to me. I need everybody to be proud of this struggle.”
“My aim is to go away a legacy to the boxing followers. I need to encourage the younger technology who’re dreaming of turning into a champion.”
“July 19 is gonna be numerous motion. There’s numerous nice fights on this card. I do know what Barrios is able to and I do know that we will entertain the followers.”
“I’ve been capable of relaxation my physique and it’s been good for me. Now I’m again and I’m excited to provide the followers a terrific struggle. I do know that Barrios is coaching laborious to defend his belt. I’m the challenger, so I do know I’ve to go the additional mile and punish myself in coaching to win the struggle. That’s the aim.”
“I’ve been boxing for a few years, and even the years I wasn’t boxing, I used to be nonetheless enthusiastic about boxing. I also have a boxing health club in my home and was all the time understanding. I actually missed boxing.”
‘I can take so much that I realized from the Gervonta Davis struggle into this one’
Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) is coming off a cut up draw with Abel Ramos final November, following three consecutive victories over Fabian Maidana, Ugas and Jovanie Santiago. Previous to that, the native of San Antonio, TX suffered two straight defeats, dropping a unanimous resolution to Keith Thurman and being stopped by Gervonta Davis within the eleventh spherical. The 30-year-old says that going up towards Pacquiao is his “greatest struggle to this point” and he’s ready for this second.
“I’m right here, I’m prepared and I’m the champion for a cause,” Mario Barrios stated. “It is a large struggle that could possibly be ‘Struggle of the Yr.’ I can’t wait.”
“All the opposite large fights I’ve had have ready me for a second like this. I’m defending my title towards a legend and I couldn’t be extra honored.”
“Dealing with Manny is one thing I by no means pictured unfolding, and now it’s right here on one of many greatest playing cards of the yr. July 19 is gonna be an evening of boxing that you just don’t wanna miss.”
“It’s a terrific honor for a legend like Manny to need to come again and struggle for my title. That is my greatest struggle to this point and I’m excited to take it on.”
“Come July 19 I’ll be dealing with a legend throughout from me. I’ve nothing however respect for him outdoors of the ring. However contained in the ring, he’s simply one other man who’s making an attempt to take what’s mine. I’m the champion for a cause and I’m gonna present that.”
“I believe I can take so much that I realized from the Gervonta Davis struggle into this one. The way in which he closes distance and works off his pace, and even the dimensions, are all comparable. All of my large fights have actually ready me for this second.”
“I’ve been seeing individuals face off with Manny at press conferences like this since I used to be a child. He’s not very severe, besides when he’s within the ring. I do know he’s gonna convey it once we get within the ring.”
Within the co-feature, Sebastian Fundora (22-1-1, 14 KOs) of West Palm Seaside, Florida defends his WBC tremendous welterweight title in a championship rematch towards Tim Tszyu (23-2, 18 KOs) of Australia. Fundora defeated former champion Tszyu by cut up resolution final March.
One other rematch on the Pacquiao vs Barrios undercard pits former champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (27-3-1, 18 KOs) towards fellow Mexican Angel Fierro (23-3-2, 18 KOs). Within the PPV opener, two-division champion Brandon Figueroa (25-2-1, 19 KOs) of Weslaco, TX meets former title challenger Joet Gonzalez (27-4, 15 KOs) of Glendora, CA.
