MANILA, Philippines — Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, at 46 years outdated, insists he nonetheless obtained extra tips left within the bag.
As he formally introduced his ring return in a press convention Sunday (Manila time) towards World Boxing Council welterweight champion Mario Barrios, Pacquiao brimmed with confidence that he can pull off one final nice efficiency.
“You realize me, Manny Pacquiao. I all the time carry surprises to the followers, and that’s my ardour,” mentioned Pacquiao (62-8-2, with 39 knockouts).
“And it’s actually essential to the those who they are going to be pleased after the struggle,” added the Filipino southpaw, who will finish a four-year retirement to problem the youthful and taller Barrios on July 19 (July 20 Manila time) on the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao, already tagged as a heavy underdog heading into the struggle, is going through disadvantages in age and dimension. On Sunday, the peak hole was evident as he sized up Barrios (29-2-1, with 18 KOs), who’s 16 years his junior and listed as six-feet tall.
The chances are closely stacked towards Pacquiao additionally resulting from his final efficiency, a 12-round unanimous determination loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021, the place he regarded like a shell of his former self.