Home » Mario Barrios a ‘winnable fight’ for Manny Pacquiao

Mario Barrios a ‘winnable fight’ for Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao believes that his planned comeback match against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios will be a “winnable fight.”

Barrios a “winnable fight” for Pacquiao

Pacquiao, 45, retired from professional boxing after losing to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021.

The eight-division world champion will also have an exhibition match against Rukiya Anpo on July 28.

MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons told BoxingScene that Barrios is “the perfect fighter” for Pacquiao.

“It’s a 50-50 fight but a very winnable fight for Manny,” said Gibbons. “Barrios is the perfect fighter. He has the right style because he’s there to be hit and he brings it. He wants to mix it up.

Both camps want to make the fight happen

Barrios, 29, won the WBC’s 147-pound interim title in September with an emphatic decision win against Ugas.

Barrios’ camp is “all in” on the fight, while WBC is already gearing up to make the match happen.

Meanwhile, Gibbons said the Pacquiao-Barrios should happen before the Filipino legend turns 46 in December.

“Over the next month or so, we’ll either be able to make the fight or won’t. … It’s very important to get a fight in by December,” Gibbons said.

“This is a very important time right now. We have a very short window. This could be the last year because Manny might run for office next year in the Philippines.”

“Manny is like a fine bottle of wine and getting better and better as he ages. He hasn’t lost his speed, power or passion. He loves to fight. If I didn’t think he could fight at the highest level, I would advise him against it and to do something else.”