Last minute news: Floyd demands that Mario Barrios withdraw from Manny Pacquiao’s fight!
At 2:30 PM +07 on Friday, June 20, 2025, a seismic shock has hit the world of boxing with reports that Floyd Mayweather Jr. demanded Mario Barrios withdraw from his next fight against Manny Pacquiao, scheduled for July 19 in Las Vegas. The unexpected intervention of the undefeated legend has caused indignation, intrigue and heated debate among fans and analysts.
The bold demand
According to sources close to the situation, Mayweather issued a severe statement today, insisting that Barrios, the current WBA weight champion of the WBM, separates the fight. “Mario shouldn’t be fighting Manny,” Mayweather said in a private call that leaked to the press. “This fight makes no sense to his career: Pacquiao has passed its best moment, and Barrios deserves better competition.” The lawsuit occurs only weeks before the long -awaited return of Pacquiao, 46, which aims to claim a world title after a four -year parenthesis.
Context and controversy
Mayweather’s participation increases the eyebrows given his historic rivalry with Pacquiao, which culminated with his mediocre “Fight of the Century” of 2015. The recent omission of Mayweather of Pacquiao of his list of toughest opponents, citing the lack of action of the fight, has revived the tensions. Some speculate that Mayweather’s demand could be a strategic movement to protect his own legacy or pave the way for a possible rematch, although he has repeatedly ruled out rumors of return. Others question whether this is a personal soap, given the in the ongoing political efforts of Pacquiao in the Philippines, which Mayweather could see as a distraction.
Boxing community reactions
The boxing world is full of mixed reactions. The Barrios camp has not yet responded officially, but the feeling of trend in social networks suggests frustration among fans who see this as a Mayweather overreach. Some argue that the autonomy of neighborhoods undermines, while others support the idea, pointing out the age of Pacquiao and recent losses as valid concerns that echo figures such as Mayweather’s uncle, Jeff. Meanwhile, Pacquiao is still focused, and coach Freddie Roach rules out the demand as “noise”, promising to offer an exciting fight independently.
The bets
This development threatens to derail a fight that has already caught significant attention, with Pacquiao with the aim of becoming the oldest Welter weight champion in history. If Barrios meets, you could open doors for other contestants or even a rematch of Mayweather-Pacquiao, although the viability remains uncertain given the age and past statements of Mayweather. The WBC has not commented, but the controversy could force a reevaluation of the combat sanction.
What follows?
As the clock works towards July 19, all eyes are in the Decision of Barrios and the WBC position. Will Mayweather’s demand have weight, or will it look like an empty threat? The result could remodel the Welter weight division and revive one of the biggest boxing rivalries. Be attentive to updates as this dramatic saga develops!
