MANILA – Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao is aware of the risks he has to take in facing WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios this Sunday (Philippine team) in Las Vegas.
Despite the wealth of his experience in the boxing ring, the 46-year-old boxing superstar is 16 years older and is 6.5 inches shorter than the defending champion from the US.
But in the latest video he posted online, the eight-division world boxing champion bared his reasons for returning to the ring despite a lengthy retirement.
“I miss boxing. I’m excited for the fans. I want to give a good fight. Boxing is my passion,” Pacquiao said. “The way I trained the way I worked hard, to make sure to give the fans a good fight.”
Pacquiao is aware of his stature which makes the reigning champion a “newbie” in comparison, but he refuses to underestimate the younger, fresher Barrios.
“Mario Barrios, I know he trained hard. He has to defend his belt. I’m the challenger, so I have to take the extra mile, to punish myself to win the fight,” said Pacquiao.
He added: “I’m not underestimating my opponent. I have to make sure that I’m in 100% condition. I’m still here, Manny Pacquiao is back.”
Barrios is entering the ring with a 29-2-1 win-loss-draw ring record, including 18 victories by way of stoppages, while Pacquiao has a 62-8-2 mark, including 39 knockout wins./PN
