Manny Pacquiao stated he anticipates competing in “two or three more fights” as he aims to capture the WBC welterweight world championship against Mario Barrios.
The match between Pacquiao and Barrios is scheduled for July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This opportunity arises after the WBC`s debated decision to allow Pacquiao a direct challenge for Barrios` title in his return bout.
At 46 years old, Pacquiao is ending a four-year break from the sport, seeking to surpass his own record for the oldest welterweight champion ever.
The former Filipino senator and presidential hopeful hasn`t secured a victory since his 2019 fight against Keith Thurman, with his most recent contest resulting in a clear defeat to Yordenis Ugas in 2021.
Earlier this year, he unsuccessfully ran for a Senate seat, placing 18th in the midterm elections. Following this, he promptly announced his intention to return to boxing.
Pacquiao is now fully committed to the prospect of reclaiming a world title and feels he possesses the necessary “strength” to continue fighting for several more years.
“This fight holds great significance for me from a historical perspective,” Pacquiao commented. “I think I would be the first Hall of Fame inductee to win another world title, and I`d also set a new record as the oldest welterweight world champion.”
Regarding his previous retirement, Pacquiao stated, “When I stepped away in 2021, it didn`t sit right with me because I felt in my heart and mind that I could still compete… I`ve had a break, and now I`m returning.”
“I feel quick, and I sense that my power remains,” he added. “My training performance is comparable to my past. In fact, my team is currently focused on slowing me down and ensuring I get adequate rest. While I personally want to push hard daily, I understand I need to heed my team`s advice.”
“I believe I have capacity for perhaps two or three more bouts,” he remarked. “I feel capable of continuing for another couple of years, but I`m focusing on one fight at a time.”
Discussing his previous loss, Pacquiao noted, “Before the Yordenis Ugas fight, I faced numerous distractions and issues. However, currently, I am fully prepared, 100 percent, with no distractions. My sole focus is on training and the upcoming fight.”
Interestingly, Conor Benn is considered eligible to face the victor of the Pacquiao-Barrios contest.
Benn was defeated by Chris Eubank Jr at middleweight and is anticipated to have a rematch later this year.
However, this fact, along with not having competed at 147lbs (welterweight) for several years and coming off a recent loss, does not disqualify him from challenging for the WBC belt in that division.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman commented, “He [Benn] is ranked by the WBC, as is Eubank, in different weight classes. The decision rests with him. If he proceeds with a rematch now, he won`t challenge for the WBC title immediately, but he remains eligible.”
Murray Blackwood