The Legend of Boxing Manny Pacquiao has sent shock waves through the world of sport with a bold statement about his next fight against Mario Barrios, scheduled for July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The 46 -year -old Filipino icon, which is finishing a retirement of almost four years to challenge the WBC’s weight title, surprised fans and analysts by affirming that neighborhoods “will retire from the fight”, doubts about whether the combat very anticipated will even happen.
Pacquiao explosive claim
Just out of his senatorial electoral campaign in the Philippines, which ended today, Pacquiao did not waste time addressing his return to the ring during a press conference in Manila. The world champion of eight divisions, who fought for the last time professionally in August 2021 with a unanimous loss of unanimous decision against Yordenis Uugas, expressed his confidence in his preparation, but dropped a bomb on his opponent. “I’ve been training hard, and I’m ready to make history again,” said Pacquiao. “But I don’t think neighborhoods are ready for me. He will retire from the fight, I’m sorry. He knows what is coming.”
The Pacquiao Declaration occurs in the midst of the growing speculation about the commitment of neighborhoods to the fight. The 29-year-old American, who owns a record of 29-2-1 with 18 knockouts, has faced criticism for his reign as WBC welter weight champion, and some call him dull after a divided raffle against Abel Ramos in November 2024. Pacquiao’s comments suggest that he believes that the neighborhoods may be intimidated by the perspective of facing a living legend Age of the age and the long term of Pacquiao.
A return in controversy
The Pacquiao-Barrios fight, which will be transmitted through PBC in the first-level Pay-Per-View video, marks a historical moment when Pacquiao aims to become the second oldest world champion in the history of boxing, overcoming George Foreman’s record in 1994. He fought to dominate. Critics like Amir Khan have warned that neighborhoods, a dangerous fighter with an advantage of height and scope, could represent a serious threat to the aging icon.
On the other hand, Pacquiao’s team is still optimistic. His former strength and conditioning coach, Justin Fortune, recently highlighted the power and lasting speed of Pacquiao, while the light fighter Giovanni Cabrera pointed out the mortipino’s deadly left hand as a possible game change. However, former opponent Tim Bradley offered a marked warning, suggesting that Barrios could “end” Pacquiao and force him to retire forever, citing the risks of returning after such a long parenthesis.
Internet explodes
Pacquiao’s prediction about neighborhood retirement has caused an online frenzy. Fans on social platforms are divided, with some praise of Pacquiao’s psychological war, while others see it as a sign of doubt in their own skills. “Pacquiao play mental games: you know that neighborhoods is not at your level!” A follower wrote. On the contrary, a skeptic replied: “If Pacquiao is so safe, why does it say that Barrios will retire? It seems that he is scared!”
Barrios, who has expressed emotion to face a “future member of the Hall of Fame” in past interviews, has not yet responded to Pacquiao’s latest comments. However, his team has confirmed that he is in the training camp, preparing for what could be a fight that defines the race. The main event, with a rematch between Sebastian Fundora and Tim Tszyu for unified junior weight titles, adds more intrigue to the July 19 card, which could change to the MGM Grand due to programming conflicts in T-Mobile Arena.
A legacy in the line
Pacquiao, who will be included in the International Boxing Hall on June 8, has little to demonstrate in a race that includes 12 world titles in eight classes of weight. However, his desire to “get history” has taken him back to the ring, even when he juggled with his political ambitions in the Philippines. For neighborhoods, the fight represents the opportunity to consolidate its legacy by defeating one of the best boxers of all time, but Pacquiao’s ominous prediction is now increased.
Will Barrios go around the challenge, or Pacquiao’s words will be prophetic? As the regressive account begins until July 19, the boxing world is nervous, hoping to see if this clash of generations will deliver, or if the return of Pacquiao will end before it begins. Be attentive to more updates as this drama develops!
