IN their first public press conference yesterday (Saturday in the US) to promote their highly-anticipated title clash on July 19 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, the difference in attire between Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao and reigning World Boxing Council welterweight champ Mario Barrios of the US was like night and day.
While Pacquiao, 46, clad in a suit, leather shoes with matching sunglasses, looked smart and sharp, Barrios, 30, opted for a more casual look, wearing slacks, a flesh polo shirt and a cap, with his WBC welterweight championship belt wrapped around his left arm.
The obvious difference, too, was the height and size of the two protagonists, with Pacman standing around five-foot-6, or six inches shorter than the American champ.
When asked about the disparity, the Filipino fighter flashed his disarming smile and confidently said: “I’ve seen this before.”
But Pacquiao, who boasts a ring record of 62 wins, 39 by knockout, eight losses and two draws, acknowledged the high stakes involved in coming out of a four-year layoff and returning to the ring since losing his World Boxing Association super welterweight belt by unanimous decision to Cuban Yordenis Ugas on July 19, 2021 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“I have to punish myself again,” he said, chuckling, referring to the intense preparation he needs as he reunites with American trainer Freddie Roach for what promises to be a battle royale against the lanky Barrios, who has won 29 fights (18 KOs) against two losses and one draw.
“This is not an exhibition (bout). I’m not doing this for fun. I’m going to fight a real champion, a real warrior, and I have to be ready for war,” Pacman said.
“If I didn’t believe I could win, I wouldn’t be here. Fighting is my passion, it’s in my blood,” declared the Filipino boxing icon for his motivation of coming out of retirement for one more stab at ring glory.
Putting on a more serious face, Barrios had no intention of losing to a boxing legend, regardless of his reputation, or becoming a mere footnote to Pacman’s remarkable career.
“This is the biggest fight of my career, but I’m not here to be part of a farewell tour,” “El Azteca” said. “Manny is a legend, but I’m the champion now. I’ve earned this belt, and I plan on keeping it.”
He acknowledged Pacquiao is the more experienced fighter and seemingly has not lost his vaunted speed, as shown by the recent training video footage at Roach’s Wild Card gym.
But Barrios pointed out that while “he’s (Pacquiao) has done amazing things. This is my time. I’m stronger, I’m sharper and I am going to show it.”
Should Pacquiao defy Father Time and the odds, Pacquiao said that “it’s hard to say right now. It’s one fight at a time. Once I get through this, we can talk about the next fight.”
