'Non-stop action': boxing great Pacquiao primed again
Almost four years after his 62nd, and what most thought was his last bout, the legendary eight-division world champ will take on Mexican Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight belt on Saturday night (Sunday AEST).
The Pacquiao-Barrios showdown shares top billing with Australian superstar Tim Tszyu's WBC super-welterweight world-title rematch with Sebastian Fundora on what US promoters are spruiking as the card of the summer in America.
"I'm pretty sure that this coming Saturday there's going to be a lot of action and the fans will be happy, and that's my goal to make the fans satisfied," Pacquiao said.
"I know Mario is a champion. He's a good fighter also, but on Saturday night our job is to give fans entertainment, like a real fight."
The 46-year-old Filipino feels rejuvenated and insists ring rust won't be a factor.
"I'm enjoying training camp as much as I did when I was 26 or 29 years old. The motivation to train hard and the discipline are the same," Pacquiao said.
"I mean, it's because I've been away from boxing why I'm still interested and passionate about fighting."
The vaunted veteran retired from boxing in 2021, had a stint in the Philippine Senate from 2016 to 2022 and an unsuccessful 2022 presidential bid.
His remarkable record, as well as his status as the only eight-division world champ, also includes being the oldest welterweight strap holder at age 40 in 2019.
Sunday's blockbuster will mark Pacquiao's 16th time headlining at the iconic MGM Grand.
"I cannot imagine that I am still fighting here in the Grand Arena after 24 years. It's a blessing," Pacquiao (62-8-2) said while embracing his rare underdog tag.
"In so many of my fights I was the underdog, and I surprised them. Manny always brings surprises."
Barrios (29-2-1) has only respect for Pacquiao but says there will be no sentiment shown once the bell goes.
"Manny is a very likeable person. I can't think of anything bad to say about him other than he's facing me for my title," the 30-year-old said.
"At the end of the day, he's just another man in there. He's another opponent trying to take my title, regardless of everything he's accomplished and given to the sport.
"I believe I'm in my prime right now and I'm trying to show that come Saturday, so you know.
"I've been preparing for 12 rounds of non-stop action."
With Reuters. This AAP article was made possible by support from No Limit Boxing.
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