Mario Barrios: “Pacquiao Choosing Me is Disrespectful, I’m Champion For a Reason”
- Matthew Brown
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
07/01/2025
Mario Barrios knows exactly what’s on the line.
On July 19, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the 30-year-old WBC Welterweight Champion will defend his title on PBC PPV on Prime Video against none other than the legendary Manny Pacquiao — a living Hall of Famer and former eight-division world champion who’s stepping back into the ring after years of retirement.
The fight, which had been rumored for more than a year, always seemed to carry a strange tone. From the beginning, Barrios’ name has been casually floated around as Pacquiao’s potential comeback opponent — as if he were the beatable champion, the guy an all-time great could target to ease back into the sport.
And Barrios noticed.
“When the fight was first brought to me, I wasn’t sure whether to take it as respect or disrespect,” Barrios admitted. “Because he wanted me.”
It’s not hard to read between the lines. Pacquiao, even at 46 years old, remains one of the most iconic figures in boxing history. The idea that his return would come against a reigning champion seemed almost preposterous — unless that champion was being viewed as food.
But Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) isn’t anyone’s easy path. And he’s determined to prove it.
This is a career-defining moment for the San Antonio native. Barrios isn’t new to big stages — he’s already shared the ring with the likes of Gervonta “Tank” Davis and former unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman. And though he came up short in both, the experience from those wars is something he sees as invaluable heading into his showdown with Pacquiao.
“All the other big fights I’ve had have prepared me for a moment like this,” Barrios said. “I’m defending my title against a legend and I couldn’t be more honored. I think I can take a lot that I learned from the Gervonta Davis fight into this one. The way he closes distance and works off his speed, and even the size, are all similar.”
Indeed, Pacquiao, despite the long layoff and the advancing age, is still expected to bring the same frenetic pace and explosive angles that made him one of the most feared welterweights in the world. But Barrios sees those tools not as mysteries, but as challenges he’s prepared for.
“All of my big fights have really prepared me for this moment,” he continued. “This is my biggest fight so far and I’m excited to take it on.”
And while he’s fully aware of Pacquiao’s legacy, Barrios made it clear that none of that history will matter once the bell rings. No matter what the reason was behind Manny choosing him, the sausage is already made. But it might not taste the way Pacquiao wants it to.
“Come July 19, I’ll be facing a legend across from me. I have nothing but respect for him outside of the ring. But inside the ring, he’s just another man who’s trying to take what’s mine. I’m the champion for a reason, and I’m gonna show why I’m holding the WBC belt.”
Disrespect or not, Pacquiao picked him. Now Barrios plans to make him pay for it.
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