Mario Barrios and his camp make huge Manny Pacquiao knockout claim

Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is set to make his much-anticipated comeback after a four-year hiatus when he faces World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios for the title in Las Vegas on July 19.

There is a great deal of hype and excitement surrounding the Pacquiao vs. Barrios bout, considering the former eight-division world champion is coming out of retirement at the age of 46.

Both fighters’ camps appear confident of victory. While Pacquiao’s media team has gone into overdrive, Barrios’ camp has remained quietly optimistic. The 30-year-old’s head coach, Bob Santos, expressed strong confidence ahead of the fight, stating in a recent media interaction that they expect to come out on top against the aging superstar.

“If we’re in the sixth or seventh round and have a chance to take him out, we will. We have to do that, because if you keep him around, all it takes is one shot. You might think you’re winning the fight, but then — boom! It’s good night, and you’ve lost. If the opportunity comes to take Manny out, we’re taking him out,” Santos said.

Barrios, who is 16 years younger than his opponent, echoed his coach’s sentiments:

Mario Barrios, the opponent of Manny Pacquiao on 19 July in Las Vegas, sees the Filipino “as just another man.” | Nick Giongco, video courtesy of Mario Serrano#MannyPacquiao #MarioBarrios #DailyTribune pic.twitter.com/5XVXwxjMhQ

— Daily Tribune (@tribunephl) June 29, 2025

“I know if at any point Pacquiao has me hurt, there’s no question he would pull the trigger on me. So, it’s not personal — it’s just business. I’m honored to be sharing the ring with a legend, but at the end of the day, he’s trying to take my title. I’m the champion for a reason. Of course, I’m going to try and take him out. I wouldn’t call it sad — but that’s just the reality of boxing,” he added.

The decision to grant Pacquiao a direct title shot has stirred controversy within the boxing community. Critics have questioned why he is being granted an immediate title opportunity, especially since he hasn’t been officially ranked in years. Some have also accused WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman of favoritism, considering Pacquiao has not won a professional fight since 2019.

Currently, fighters such as Devin Haney, Souleymane Cissokho, Conor Benn, and Egidijus Kavaliauskas are ranked above Pacquiao. Others — including Raul Curiel, Thulani Mbenge, Eimantas Stanionis, Abel Ramos, and Alexis Rocha — have reportedly been pushed down the rankings to make way for the legendary Filipino boxer.

The bout was initially scheduled for the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas but was moved to the MGM Grand Garden Arena due to a prior commitment for a Lady Gaga concert.

The fight between Pacquiao and Barrios will reportedly be streamed via PBC on Prime Video pay-per-view.

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