Pacquiao mulls fighting for WBC title
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 25 Jun 2024
Former eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao insists his three-round engagement with Japanese kickboxer Chihiro Suzuki in Saitama on July 28 is a “serious fight, not an exhibition” but it appears he’s looking ahead to challenge newly-installed WBC welterweight titlist Mario Barrios before the year ends.
MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons said yesterday the Saitama bout is a go and confirmed talks are ongoing for a duel with Barrios. “Manny’s first world title was with WBC and he’d like to end his career with another WBC title, going full circle,” said Gibbons. “It’s paying respect to WBC. You know Manny, he loves to fight and he’ll give his 100 percent in the ring. This would be his legacy fight if it happens.”
Pacquiao, 45, hasn’t fought a “real” bout since losing the WBA welterweight crown to Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas in 2021 but came back to beat MMA fighter DK Yoo in a six-round exhibition in South Korea the next year. He was set to face Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek in another six-round exhibition in Bangkok last April 20 but it didn’t push through.
Barrios, 29, was the WBC interim welterweight ruler for nine months until elevated to full championship status the other day. Terrence Crawford, whom he succeeded, was designated champion “in recess” while he attempts to wrest the WBA superwelterweight crown from Israil Madrimov on Aug. 3. Barrios has a 29-2 record, with 18 KOs and his only losses were to Pacquiao victim Keith Thurman on points and Gervonta Davis by KO. Barrios’ height, length and youth are his assets. He’s six feet tall with a 71-inch wingspan. Pacquiao is 5-5 1/2 with a 67-inch reach. His experience is a major advantage. Barrios has never fought a legend like Pacquiao.
“Barrios is a solid, quality fighter who beat Ugas,” said Gibbons. “I think he’s easy to hit and he’ll play to Manny’s ball game. It’s a winnable fight for Manny. When asked about Manny’s chances against Crawford, experts were mum. But when asked about Manny’s chances against Barrios, they’re fine. Now, let’s find out if there’s a promoter out there willing to stage it.”
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Thunderdome 48 - Jude Grant vs Fano Kori
Sun, 24 Nov 2024World Boxing backs plan to create a new Confederation in Asia
Sun, 24 Nov 2024The message is clear – Asian Boxing Confederation remains united with the IBA
Sun, 24 Nov 2024OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOUNDATION HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY FOR EAST LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Life vs. Death: The Ultimate Ringside Showdown Immortalized in Pierce Egan’s Boxiana
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 23 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 284: TEAM MARK MAGSAYO CONFIRMS RETURN TO THE RING ON DECEMBER 14
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 23 Nov 2024RJP Boxing promotes in Bucana on Dec. 17
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Good Prospects at Minimumweight, Light Fly, Super Bantam and Super Feather in 2025
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma is the new World Senior Blitz champion; Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat takes the bronze medal
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 23 Nov 2024KAMBOSOS JR SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Sat, 23 Nov 2024INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2025 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th
Sat, 23 Nov 2024Ring Master promotes in Calinan on Dec. 21
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024NP Bansalan boxing team in Matalam
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024New York, Minnesota Biggest Trade Gainers; Los Angeles Has the Rookie Draft Steal
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 22 Nov 2024