Manny Pacquiao is more likely to face Mario Barrios next despite the emergence of alternative options, WBN understands.
Bob Santos, trainer of WBC welterweight champion Barrios, told World Boxing News that he’s currently in contact with Pacquiao’s team. Asked by WBN if he’d spoken to either Pacquiao or representatives of any other contender, Santos stated, “Yes, with Pacquiao’s promoter Sean Gibbons.” Pressed on whether Barrios vs Pacquiao can happen next, he added, “It’s tough to say. We’ll have to see how it plays out.”
WBN contacted Santos after Conor Benn emerged as a potential alternative for Barrios. The British fighter, who recently returned from a suspension for two positive drug tests, is looking to return to the mix.
Benn has been shown favor by the World Boxing Council at the recent WBC Convention, by the WBC Ratings Committee, and in an interview with the sanctioning body over the weekend. ‘The Destroyer” is ranked number two at 147 pounds despite less-than-solid opponents during his time in exile, which saw Benn compete twice in the United States while his career was under a cloud in the UK.
As he fought to clear his name and the UK Anti-Doping could find no evidence that Benn intentionally took ostarine, the 28-year-old’s career firmly went backward. Despite that fact, he remains highly rated and on the cusp of at least fighting an eliminator or for one of the other championships.
However, Pacquiao remains the favorite for Barrios. It’s now up to the boxing legend and first-ballot Hall of Famer to secure his shot. WBN believes a date in July – most likely at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, is the most workable date for a Nevada swansong.
Pacquiao can extend his record as the oldest welterweight champion by six years if he can cause a huge upset victory over the 29-year-old world champion. At 46, that scenario remains unlikely, but you could never put it past one of the greatest fighters of this generation.
Unlike heavier boxers – and with his training regiment, Pacquiao looks in top shape despite his advancing years. Everything is set up for a massive return to the boxing capital of the world, provided Pacquiao and his team can maneuver his political ambitions, which are set to run from this month until May. After that time, Pacquiao could fit in a summer finale and bow out as an all-time great, no matter the result.
Barrios is based in the city for coaching with Santos and would be the ideal opponent to see out the career of one of the best ever.
