Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios previewed their bout and confronted off on the ultimate press convention. The 2 fighters sq. off on July 19 on the MGM Grand Backyard Enviornment in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) makes his ring return and appears to as soon as once more turn out to be champion. The 46-year-old Filipino, who held titles in eight totally different weight courses, challenges San Antonio’s 29-year-old Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) for his WBC welterweight belt.
Pacquiao expressed pleasure about returning to motion and showcasing a “actual combat.” Barrios mentioned he was assured and able to defend his title.
‘I’ve been the underdog many occasions’
“I’m right here once more for an additional large combat. I’m so grateful to the followers for all their assist. With out the followers, boxing is useless,” Manny Pacquiao mentioned. “I actually admire their assist.”
“I’m okay being the underdog. I’ve been the underdog many occasions. I’m at all times bringing surprises.”
“I’ve been a challenger many occasions and it’s at all times the identical feeling. I’m excited to take the belt. He’s an excellent fighter additionally, however our job is to entertain the followers. We’re gonna give them an actual combat.”
“Saturday evening it’s going to be an amazing combat. It’s been some time that I’ve been out of the ring, however I’m nonetheless energetic and exercising on a regular basis. I’m going to show to everybody that I’m in nice situation.”
“I’ve been having fun with coaching camp like I did previously. Similar to after I was 26 years outdated. The self-discipline continues to be the identical. Even with my layoff, my ardour continues to be there.”
“I’m right here as a result of I like to go toe-to-toe. I need to give the followers what they need. That’s my purpose each time I step into the ring.”
“I by no means take it straightforward in coaching. I can work onerous identical to after I was younger. Saturday evening will probably be quite a lot of motion and the followers will probably be completely satisfied. That’s my purpose.”
“We’re again in boxing once more. We’re going to indicate the world that boxing continues to be alive and kicking. Manny Pacquiao continues to be right here. I’m again.”
“It’s wonderful to nonetheless be preventing right here on this enviornment. It’s a blessing to nonetheless be right here giving good fights for the followers. I’m excited for the followers.”
“I respect Barrios, he’s a champion and he works onerous additionally. That is for the followers.”
‘One other opponent attempting to take my title’
Mario Barrios mentioned, “It’s been a protracted camp and we’re able to step in there come Saturday. That is historic. Hats off to Pacquiao for daring to be nice. However it’s my time now and I’m gonna present that come Saturday.”
“I’m not getting into there on the lookout for the knockout, however I’m getting into there with unhealthy intentions and energy in each palms. I received’t hesitate to drag the set off.”
“He’s had so many victories over many Mexican fighters and now I’m part of that, however I’m gonna be on the opposite facet with my hand raised. I used to be a giant Juan Manuel Marquez fan and when he knocked out Manny, that was certainly one of my favourite moments.”
“It’s all smiles proper now, however I do know that come combat evening that smile received’t be on his face anymore, and neither will mine. The perfect man will come out along with his hand raised.”
“I’ve confidence in my preparation. We’ve had an amazing coaching camp with my entire group. I’m strolling into this combat with all of that confidence.”
“I’ve been making ready for 12 rounds of nonstop motion. I do know the type that he brings when he steps into the ring. I’m seeking to take a look at him in each manner come Saturday.”
“On the finish of the day, he’s simply one other man in there. One other opponent attempting to take my title. No matter every little thing he’s completed and given to the game.”
“Now we have an amazing recreation plan for this combat and I’m able to step in there Saturday. I’m prepared for warfare. Simply counting down the times.”
“I at all times placed on for San Antonio. I don’t know if it’s one thing within the water again residence, however we have now quite a lot of expertise there. I’m very proud to signify San Antonio and my Mexican and indigenous roots.”
“Manny is certainly one of a sort. He’s not a straightforward type to repeat in coaching camp. We’ve gotten quite a lot of totally different southpaw appears to be like so I’m feeling extraordinarily snug.”
“It feels wonderful to be on this place. I poured every little thing into this sport since I used to be a child, and now I get to stroll the strip with my household and see my identify throughout. It’s one thing that I’ve at all times dreamed of. Now it’s my job to indicate why I’m going to proceed to be the champion.”
Within the co-feature to Pacquiao vs Barrios, Sebastian Fundora (22-1-1, 14 KOs) of West Palm Seashore, FL defends his WBC welterweight title in a rematch towards Tim Tszyu (23-2, 18 KOs) of Australia. Coachella-based Fundora defeated Tszyu by break up choice final March.
On the undercard, former champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (27-3-1, 18 KOs) faces fellow Mexican Angel Fierro (23-3-2, 18 KOs) in a rematch at tremendous light-weight. Cruz defeated Fierro by unanimous choice in February.
Plus, two-weight champion Brandon Figueroa (25-2-1, 19 KOs) of Weslaco, TX meets Joet Gonzalez (27-4, 15 KOs) of Glendora, CA. The pair battle it out at featherweight.
