MANILA – Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao is eyeing a longer training time in his future bouts after preparing for just two months against Mexican-American fighter Mario Barrios.
According to the eight-division world boxing champion, he settled for a limited preparation time against Barrios since he had to campaign for the recent 2025 midterm elections.
“What I need to do is continue my training,” Pacquiao said in a post-match interview. “In a championship fight like this I need to train two months and a half.”
“But we had elections in the Philippines. I started late for the training,” he explained. “But it’s okay, I love the Filipino people and I love my country. The only legacy that I can leave behind is to give inspiration to the Filipino people.”
Pacquiao attempted to make a Senate comeback under the political party of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. but placed outside the top 12.
Despite his limited preparation time, the 46-year-old Pacquiao managed to force WBC welterweight champion Barrios to a majority draw in his first bout in nearly four years.
The Filipino boxing champion went toe-to-toe with his Mexican-American opponent before settling for a 113-115, 114-114, 114-114 score from the three judges.
“It was a good fight. The opponent was very tough. Barrios is a wonderful fighter,” Pacquiao said. “I think so (I will still fight), God willing. I am willing to give him a rematch.”/PN
