Philippines, 01 Jun 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Pacquiao mulls fighting for WBC title


PhilBoxing.com




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:

  • Pacquiao vs. Barrios Press Conference: A Clash of Eras Takes Center Stage in Las Vegas (Photos)
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 01 Jun 2025
  • Viva Promotions chief Brendan Gibbons slowly stepping out of his famous dad's shadow
    By Homer D. Sayson, , Sun, 01 Jun 2025
  • Stacked Card Unveiled for Manny Pacquiao’s Highly Anticipated Return
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • BEKTEMIR MELIKUZIEV DEFEATS DARIUS FULGHUM IN WBA SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR THRILLER
    , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • AFM Benoni Wabe Champ in the IIEE National Midyear Convention Tournament in CDO
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • Bektemir Melikuziev Edges Darius Fulghum in Thrilling WBA Title Eliminator
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • A Bridge to Plant versus Charlo is the theme for PBC/Amazon Card on Saturday
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • WEIGHIN RESULTS FROM LAS VEGAS: Plant - 167.2. lbs., Resendiz - 167 lbs.; Charlo - 167.4 lbs., LaManna - 166.6 lbs.
    , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • BAM: I WANT TO BE POUND-FOR-POUND NUMBER ONE!
    , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • QUOTES FROM TODAY’S “HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT” VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE
    , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • Reymart Soledad In Action for ABF Welter Strap in Brico Santig's Promotion in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • Konuk, Chaiyapong Make Weight, Collide for UBO Youth World 140
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • World Boxing to introduce mandatory Sex testing for all boxers that want to Participate in its competitions
    , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • 2025 BOXING HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY TO BE STREAMED LIVE
    , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • AJ Paciones Ready for WBO Oriental Battle in Highland Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • BOXER JEAN PASCAL INDUCTED INTO THE BOXING CANADA HALL OF FAME
    , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 5 - ALI VS. FOREMAN IN RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Fri, 30 May 2025
  • Raquinel and Zulueta Crowned ABF Champions in Bacolod City Homecoming
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 30 May 2025
  • GMs Quizon, Antonio, Laylo Vying in 4th Edition Eduardo B. Basilonia Invitational Open Rapid Chess Tilt in Roxas City, Capiz
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 30 May 2025
  • New York Stays Alive, Foils Indiana, 111-94
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Fri, 30 May 2025
  • PLANT VS. RESENDIZ & CHARLO VS. LAMANNA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
    , Fri, 30 May 2025
  • Álvarez vs. Crawford: "Champions of Champions"
    By Gary Todd, , Fri, 30 May 2025
  • WEIGHTS FROM LAS VEGAS: MELIKUZIEV - 166.8 LBS., FULGHUM - 167.6 LBS.
    , Fri, 30 May 2025
  • Former Champion Jaime Munguía Notified of Possible Failed Drug Test
    , Fri, 30 May 2025
  • WEIGHTS AND PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FOR MANUEL GALLEGOS VS. KHALIL COE REMATCH IN GUADALAJARA, MEXICO
    , Fri, 30 May 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.