Manny Pacquiao Opens As Significant Betting Underdog To Mario Barrios
Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao warms up for a training session at a gym in central Tokyo on ... More July 25, 2024, three days ahead of his three-round exhibition boxing match against Japanese mixed martial artist Rukiya Anpo. (Photo by Richard A. Brooks / AFP) (Photo by RICHARD A. BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)
Manny Pacquiao will end a retirement of nearly four years on July 19 when he meets WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in Las Vegas. The opening betting odds for the 147-pound title fight have the champion as a heavy favorite over the returning Pacquiao.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 21: Manny Pacquiao gestures to fans after his WBA welterweight title ... More fight against Yordenis Ugas at T-Mobile Arena on August 21, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ugas retained his title by unanimous decision. (Photo by)
ESPN reported on Pacquiao coming out of retirement in early May. The former eight-division boxing champion confirmed his return on Instagram, writing, 'On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Let's make history! #TeamPacquiao 🇵🇭'
The 46-year-old Pacquiao last fought in August 2021 when he dropped a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas for the WBA welterweight championship. Not long after that setback, Pacquiao announced his retirement.
"Even me, I'm amazed at what I have done," Pacquiao said in a video he posted on social media. "The only boxer to hold world titles in four different decades and became the oldest boxer to win a world welterweight title, an amazing accomplishment."
"It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over," he added. "Today, I am announcing my retirement. I never thought that this day would come. As I hang up my boxing gloves, I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people, for supporting Manny Pacquiao."
Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) was the No. 6 ranked welterweight, according to ESPN, when he retired.
"Goodbye, boxing. Thank you for changing my life," Pacquiao added. "You gave me the chance to find a way out of poverty. Because of you, I was able to inspire people all over the world. Because of you, I have been given the courage to change more life.
"I will never forget what I have done and accomplished in my life. I can't imagine that I have just heard the final bell."
ESPN has not added Pacquiao back to its welterweight rankings. However, Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) is the No. 3 ranked 147-pounder according to the site.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 15: (L-R) Adel Ramos and Mario Barrios fight during LIVE On Netflix: ... More Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium on November 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo byfor Netflix © 2024)
When the betting odds for the Barrios vs. Pacquiao were first published, Barrios was listed as the -750 betting favorite over the +470 Pacquiao. The champ has stayed at -750, but today, Pacquiao is listed at +370.
The 30-year-old Barrios won the vacant WBC interim welterweight title in September 2023 with a unanimous decision over Yordenis Ugás. He retained the belt in May 2024 with a decision victory over Fabián Maidana. The WBC elevated Barrios to full championship status in June 2024. In his most recent outing, which came in November, Barrios fought Abel Ramos to a split draw to retain the belt.
We will have more on the Barrios vs. Pacquiao title fight as fight night nears.
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New York Times
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