Pacquiao vs. Barrios: Intensity Builds as Barrios Warns of Bad Intentions, Potential Future Fights, and Expert Takes Dominate News Cycle
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 19 Jun 2025
The countdown to Manny Pacquiao's highly anticipated return to the ring on July 19th against WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios is accelerating, and the news cycle is buzzing with increasing intensity. From strong warnings issued by Barrios himself to speculation about Pacquiao's future and expert analyses, the boxing world is fixated on the legend's comeback.
Barrios Fires a Stern Warning: "Bad Intentions" Ahead
Mario Barrios, the younger and formidable champion, has broken his respectful silence and issued a direct warning to Pacquiao. In a statement reported by SI.com, Barrios declared he is "going into this fight with bad intentions." This assertive declaration signals a shift from the initial reverence often shown towards Pacquiao, indicating Barrios's clear focus on defending his title vigorously and proving himself against an all-time great. It's a clear message that he views this not just as a fight, but as an opportunity to solidify his own legacy by defeating a legend.
Potential Future Fights: Brian Norman Jr. Throws His Hat in the Ring
Adding another layer of intrigue to the Pacquiao narrative, rising welterweight contender Brian Norman Jr. has publicly expressed his desire for an opportunity to face the "PacMan." Norman, who recently defeated Giovanni Santillan, called out Pacquiao, with his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, reportedly keen on making such a fight happen if Pacquiao emerges victorious against Barrios. This immediately opens up discussions about Pacquiao's plans beyond July 19th, suggesting that his comeback might not be a one-off event.
Expert Insights: Ugas Weighs In, Lopez Offers Perspective
Even fighters who have shared the ring with Pacquiao are chiming in. Yordenis Ugas, the fighter who handed Pacquiao his last professional defeat before his initial retirement, has offered his perspective on the Barrios fight.
“It could be a lose-lose situation for Barrios," Ugas said. "If he wins, people will say, ‘Pacquiao was old.’ If he loses, they’ll say, ‘You lost to an old man.’"
“Barrios is taking a big risk. I fought Pacquiao when he was coming off a huge win. He had just beaten the top welterweight at the time in 2019. This time it’s harder. Pacquiao’s coming off a four-year layoff and a loss. We’ll see. It’ll be a good fight, though.”
Meanwhile, unified junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez has also weighed in on the Pacquiao-Barrios matchup. Lopez, known for his strong opinions and sharp boxing mind, offered his take on how the fight might unfold. His analysis, coming from another elite fighter, adds another dimension to the ongoing discussion about Pacquiao's chances against a much younger, active champion.
“I’ll say that it’s great to have Pacquiao back, you know what I mean?," Lopez said. "And definitely I think people are gonna tune in because it’s Manny Pacquiao, he’s a legend, he’s paved the way for the sport."
“He’s still fighting at this time and this age, and you know it’s all about how he looks against Barrios, it’s a great money fight for him but at the same time it’s great for the sport because it keeps us in the loop and I think that he’s doing his part and god willing we see him conquer another division or another world title once again.”
As July 19th draws closer, the narratives surrounding Manny Pacquiao's return are becoming increasingly complex and exciting. With direct challenges from his opponent, whispers of future mega-fights, and the insights of fellow boxing stars, the "PacMan" news cycle is far from slowing down.
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