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USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Manny Pacquiao looks to do something unprecedented in return to boxing
Manny Pacquiao looks to do something unprecedented in return to boxing Manny Pacquaio is set to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on Sunday, June 8. At which point he'll be in position to do something no boxer has ever done. Reign as a world champion as a Hall of Fame inductee. Now 46, Pacquaio indicated he's motivated and fit enough to make history as he prepares to fight Mario Barrios, the 30-year-old WBC world welterweight champion, Friday, July 19, in Las Vegas. Pacquaio said he's running up the mountains again, a ritual that has propelled the Filipino boxing star as he has trained for countless fights. And during a news conference Tuesday in Los Angeles, Pacquaio noted his pro boxing career started in 1995 and yet all these years later he still has 'the fire, the determination, eagerness to train hard, to work hard. Even now I'm enjoying working out hard, like running the mountain, working out in the afternoon. Amazing.'' Yet he faces a metaphorical mountain, too. For starters, he's 16 years older than Barrios. Also, this will be his first pro fight since 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision. He has not won a boxing match since 2019. But Pacquiao made history before. He is the sport's only eight-division world champion. And in 2019, he became the oldest welterweight world champion when he defeated Keith Thurman for the WBA world title. On Tuesday, Pacquaio (62-8-2, 39 KOs) welcomed his age gap with Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) being viewed as helpful experience rather than a liability. 'A big factor for this fight,'' Pacquaio said. 'I've been through a lot of hard fights. Hard, hard fights and experience.'' Facing a legend The boxers from the top four fights on the Pacquaio-Barrios card all talked at least a little trash with their opponent. With the exception of Pacquaio and Barrios, that is. Barrios broke into a smile during a faceoff with Pacquaio. At other times he looked in disbelief. 'I'm defending my WBC (title) against the legend,'' Barrios said at one point. 'This is huge. Something I never really pictured unfolding, but it's here and it's on one of the biggest cards of the year.'' Pacquaio wore a smile through much of the press conference. Even when he put on a pair of sunglasses, he projected warmth. 'Yeah, he's a hard guy to dislike,'' Barrios said. But Barrios indicated he understands Pacquaio won't be quite as gentlemanly during their fight. 'I know if at any point he has me hurt, he's going to get me out of there without a doubt,'' Barrios said. 'And so I have to go and make sure he's not successful and have to go in there and just make sure that my hand is raised at the end of the fight. Whether it's by stoppage or by decision.'' Benefiting from the rest? Those who believe in ring rust will view Pacquaio fighting for the first time in almost four years as worrisome. But Pacquaio, who noted he's been in boxing for 30 years, said it's a 'good thing for me that I rest.' 'I rest four years in my body and now I'm back,'' he added. 'I'm excited for the fans to give a good fight, you know, me so dedicated to my career. Boxing is my passion, the way I train, the way I work hard, punishing myself to the limit and to make sure that I can give a good fight to the fans. So, that's what (you're) expecting (of) me on that fight July 19th. It's going to be a good fight.' Apparently it won't be his last fight either, according Pacquaio. Asked if this bout will be a one-off or if he's ready to make another run, Pacquaio smiled and said, 'Yes, I'm back.'' Hall of Fame history Pacquaio is set to become the first Hall of Fame inductee to fight for a world championship. Mike Tyson, Alexis Arguello, Jeff Fenech and Azumah Nelson each fought in sanctioned bouts after they were inducted into the Hall of Fame but did not fight for a title, according to Jeff Brophy, historian at the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Brophy passed along another piece of history: Sugar Ray Leonard was an announced member of the 1997 Hall of Fame class when he fought Hector Camacho for the International Boxing Council (IBC) middleweight title. Leonard lost to Camacho by fifth-round TKO in March and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in June.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Manny Pacquiao looks to do something unprecedented in return to boxing
Manny Pacquaio is set to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on Sunday, June 8. At which point he'll be in position to do something no boxer has ever done. Reign as a world champion as a Hall of Fame inductee. Advertisement Now 46, Pacquaio indicated he's motivated and fit enough to make history as he prepares to fight Mario Barrios, the 30-year-old WBC world welterweight champion, Friday, July 19, in Las Vegas. Pacquaio said he's running up the mountains again, a ritual that has propelled the Filipino boxing star as he has trained for countless fights. And during a news conference Tuesday in Los Angeles, Pacquaio noted his pro boxing career started in 1995 and yet all these years later he still has 'the fire, the determination, eagerness to train hard, to work hard. Even now I'm enjoying working out hard, like running the mountain, working out in the afternoon. Amazing.'' Manny Pacquiao before a 2021 fight against Yordenis Ugas. Yet he faces a metaphorical mountain, too. Advertisement For starters, he's 16 years older than Barrios. Also, this will be his first pro fight since 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision. He has not won a boxing match since 2019. But Pacquiao made history before. He is the sport's only eight-division world champion. And in 2019, he became the oldest welterweight world champion when he defeated Keith Thurman for the WBA world title. On Tuesday, Pacquaio (62-8-2, 39 KOs) welcomed his age gap with Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) being viewed as helpful experience rather than a liability. 'A big factor for this fight,'' Pacquaio said. 'I've been through a lot of hard fights. Hard, hard fights and experience.'' Facing a legend The boxers from the top four fights on the Pacquaio-Barrios card all talked at least a little trash with their opponent. With the exception of Pacquaio and Barrios, that is. Advertisement Barrios broke into a smile during a faceoff with Pacquaio. At other times he looked in disbelief. 'I'm defending my WBC (title) against the legend,'' Barrios said at one point. 'This is huge. Something I never really pictured unfolding, but it's here and it's on one of the biggest cards of the year.'' Pacquaio wore a smile through much of the press conference. Even when he put on a pair of sunglasses, he projected warmth. 'Yeah, he's a hard guy to dislike,'' Barrios said. But Barrios indicated he understands Pacquaio won't be quite as gentlemanly during their fight. 'I know if at any point he has me hurt, he's going to get me out of there without a doubt,'' Barrios said. 'And so I have to go and make sure he's not successful and have to go in there and just make sure that my hand is raised at the end of the fight. Whether it's by stoppage or by decision.'' Benefiting from the rest? Those who believe in ring rust will view Pacquaio fighting for the first time in almost four years as worrisome. But Pacquaio, who noted he's been in boxing for 30 years, said it's a 'good thing for me that I rest.' Advertisement 'I rest four years in my body and now I'm back,'' he added. 'I'm excited for the fans to give a good fight, you know, me so dedicated to my career. Boxing is my passion, the way I train, the way I work hard, punishing myself to the limit and to make sure that I can give a good fight to the fans. So, that's what (you're) expecting (of) me on that fight July 19th. It's going to be a good fight.' Apparently it won't be his last fight either, according Pacquaio. Asked if this bout will be a one-off or if he's ready to make another run, Pacquaio smiled and said, 'Yes, I'm back.'' Hall of Fame history Pacquaio is set to become the first Hall of Fame inductee to fight for a world championship. Advertisement Mike Tyson, Alexis Arguello, Jeff Fenech and Azumah Nelson each fought in sanctioned bouts after they were inducted into the Hall of Fame but did not fight for a title, according to Jeff Brophy, historian at the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Brophy passed along another piece of history: Sugar Ray Leonard was an announced member of the 1997 Hall of Fame class when he fought Hector Camacho for the International Boxing Council (IBC) middleweight title. Leonard lost to Camacho by fifth-round TKO in March and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in June. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Manny Pacquiao chases history as he returns to ring at 46
USA Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Manny Pacquiao looks to do something unprecedented in return to boxing
Manny Pacquiao looks to do something unprecedented in return to boxing Manny Pacquaio is set to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on Sunday, June 8. At which point he'll be in position to do something no boxer has ever done. Reign as a world champion as a Hall of Fame inductee. Now 46, Pacquaio indicated he's motivated and fit enough to make history as he prepares to fight Mario Barrios, the 30-year-old WBC world welterweight champion, Friday, July 19, in Las Vegas. Pacquaio said he's running up the mountains again, a ritual that has propelled the Filipino boxing star as he has trained for countless fights. And during a news conference Tuesday in Los Angeles, Pacquaio noted his pro boxing career started in 1995 and yet all these years later he still has 'the fire, the determination, eagerness to train hard, to work hard. Even now I'm enjoying working out hard, like running the mountain, working out in the afternoon. Amazing.'' Yet he faces a metaphorical mountain, too. For starters, he's 16 years older than Barrios. Also, this will be his first pro fight since 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision. He has not won a boxing match since 2019. But Pacquiao made history before. He is the sport's only eight-division world champion. And in 2019, he became the oldest welterweight world champion when he defeated Keith Thurman for the WBA world title. On Tuesday, Pacquaio (62-8-2, 39 KOs) welcomed his age gap with Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) being viewed as helpful experience rather than a liability. 'A big factor for this fight,'' Pacquaio said. 'I've been through a lot of hard fights. Hard, hard fights and experience.''
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Mike ‘The Body Snatcher' McCallum, boxing hall of famer and three-time champion, dies at 68
Mike 'The Body Snatcher' McCallum was so feared for his impeccable technique that the 'four kings' of the 1980s declined to fight him. Nevertheless, McCallum won world titles at super welterweight, middleweight and light heavyweight and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003. McCallum, the first Jamaican-born champion, died Saturday in Las Vegas at 68. The Jamaica Observer reported that McCallum fell ill while driving to a gym and pulled off the road. He was found to be unresponsive, and was later pronounced dead. Not that his inability to secure a bout with Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard or Marvin Hagler spoiled his mood. It was particularly telling that Hearns wouldn't fight McCallum, because they were longtime sparring partners before becoming champions. McCallum was disappointed but remained all smiles outside the ring, consistently carrying himself with a pleasant, if serious, disposition. In the ring, his attention to detail and faultless technique enabled him to post a 49-5-1 record. McCallum earned his nickname by repeatedly punching the body and head. More often than not, bouts ended in knockouts — he recorded 36 KOs and was never knocked out. The Ring magazine ranked him in 2011 as eighth on their list of the '10 best middleweight title holders of the last 50 years.' 'None of 'The Four Kings,' wanted anything to do with that guy and I know that for a fact because I tried to make some of those fights,' Hall of Fame boxer Lou DiBella told longtime boxing writer Kevin Iole. 'He was the most perfect technical fighter I've ever seen, and he wasn't a pitty-pat guy.' McCallum became the first Jamaican boxer to win a world title when he defeated Irishman Sean Mannion by unanimous decision in 1984 at Madison Square Garden for the WBA Junior Middleweight crown. Jamaican Sport Minister Olivia Grange issued a statement upon learning of McCallum's passing, saying, 'It is with utter and complete sadness that I learned of the death of Jamaica's three-time World Boxing Champion Michael McKenzie McCallum. 'I express my personal condolences to his mother, siblings and his children. On behalf of the Ministry of Sports I take this opportunity to extend our sympathies to the family and friends of this legendary Jamaican.' Michael McKenzie McCallum was born Dec. 7, 1956, in Kingston, Jamaica, and began boxing as a teenager, racking up as many as 250 amateur bouts before turning pro in 1981. He represented Jamaica at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals. He boxed professionally until 1997, successfully defending the WBA junior middleweight crown six times, including wins over Julian Jackson, Milton McCrory and Donald Curry before moving up a weight class to middleweight. McCallum defeated Herol Graham in 1989 to become WBA middleweight champion and defended the belt with wins over Steve Collins, Michael Watson and Sumbu Kalambay. He won his third division title in 1994 by again stepping up in weight class and defeating Jeff Harding for the WBC light heavyweight crown. He met his match against James Toney, fighting to a draw Dec. 13, 1991, before losing to Toney twice. McCallum also dropped a 12-round decision to Roy Jones in a 1997 light heavyweight title fight. He retired shortly thereafter and became a successful trainer, taking great pride in teaching his body-punching technique to young boxers. Jones expressed sadness to Kevin Iole, saying, 'Man, we lost another beautiful boxing soul. May he rest in peace.' Jones also lamented that McCallum was unable to book fights against the four kings. 'In the junior middleweight division, everyone always went around Mike McCallum, and that says a lot about him,' Jones said. 'Not even Marvin [Hagler] ever talked much about fighting Mike McCallum. You don't have to listen to what they say [about him]. You watch what they do and everyone wanted to go around him for a reason.' In a post on X, the WBC said: 'Rest in Peace to the legendary Mike 'The Body Snatcher' McCallum. Former WBA world champion and one of the most technically gifted fighters of his era. Thank you for the fights, the lessons, and the greatness.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Jamaican boxing legend Mike McCallum dies suddenly, aged 68
McCallum died suddenly near his home in Las Vegas on Saturday (31 May), with the Jamaica Observer reporting that he was on his way to the gym when he fell ill and pulled his car off the road. He was later found unresponsive and later pronounced dead. Known 'The Bodysnatcher' due to his vicious punching ability, especially to the body, McCallum was the first Jamaican to become a boxing world champion – eventually winning titles at junior middleweight, middleweight and light heavyweight between 1984 and 1995. After retiring in 1997 with 49 wins, five losses and one draw from 55 fights, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003. Jamaica's sport minister Olivia Grange wrote on Instagram: "It is with utter and complete sadness that I learned of the death of Jamaica's three-time World Boxing Champion Michael McKenzie McCallum. "I express my personal condolences to his mother, siblings and his children. On behalf of the Ministry of Sport, I take this opportunity to extend our sympathies to the family and friends of this legendary Jamaican. "We hope they find strength in this time of bereavement." His most famous fights came against the likes of Michael Watson, Steve Collins, James Toney and Roy Jones Jr, having turned professional in 1981 after winning welterweight gold for Jamaica at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton. McCallum became world champion when he beat Ireland's Sean Mannion at Madison Square Garden in New York in 1984, claiming the WBA junior middleweight crown, and won his first 32 fights in the paid ranks, including successful title defences against Milton McCrory and Don Curry. His first defeat came in Italy against Sumbu Kalambay in 1988 when trying to add the WBA middleweight title to his collection but he did claim that belt a year later by earning a split-decision win over Herol Graham in the Royal Albert Hall in London. Successful defences came against Collins in Boston and Watson back at the Royal Albert Hall before avenging his Kalambay defeat in Monaco. December 1991 saw the first of a trilogy of fights against Toney over the course of his remaining career – with a split-decision draw and majority-decision loss in the space of nine months twice denying him the IBF middleweight belt. He did win a world title in a third weight division as a 38-year-old in 1994 when Jeff Harding was defeated for the WBC light heavyweight title but lost it to Fabrice Tiozzo a year later. His career then ended with losses to Jones Jr and Toney, the latter at cruiserweight. McCallum was hugely technically gifted as fighter and is undoubtedly the greatest Jamaican boxer of all time, as well as one of the best of his era, who leaves a huge legacy behind. 'Rest in Peace to the legendary Mike 'The Body Snatcher' McCallum,' read a tribute from the WBA. 'Former WBA world champion and one of the most technically gifted fighters of his era. Thank you for the fights, the lessons, and the greatness."
