Mario Barrios held a media workout in Las Vegas on Saturday as he prepares to challenge living legend Manny Pacquiao. Barrios will defend his WBC welterweight title against the formerly retired, 46-year-old Pacquiao atop a PBC card on Prime Video pay-per-view on Saturday, July 19 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Barrios, 29-2-1 (18 KOs), has established himself as a brave but vulnerable champion. He is 3-2-1 in his last six fights, including a stoppage loss to Gervonta “Tank” Davis at 140lbs and a wide unanimous decision defeat to Keith Thurman at welterweight. Barrios picked up the interim WBC belt by outpointing and nearly stopping Yordenis Ugas in 2023, who himself beat an already post-prime Pacquiao in 2021. Barrios was elevated to full titleholder in June 2024.
Barrios, along with his trainer Bob Santos, spoke to media from Pound 4 Pound Gym in Las Vegas.
“It’s all smiles between us right now, but when that bell rings, we’re going in there with bad intentions. [Pacquiao’s] trying to take my title and I have to do whatever it takes to make sure he doesn’t,” Barrios said.
“This has been a tremendous camp. It’s very rare to have a camp this smooth. The sparring has been perfect and I’m very happy with how everything has gone. The hard work has already been put in.
“During training camp I haven’t really been working with the mentality that I’m facing a legend. At the end of the day, he’s another man who’s trying to fight for my title. I respect what he’s done in the sport and the person he is, but come fight night, that respect won’t be there.
“When the fight was first brought to me I wasn’t sure whether to take it as respect or disrespect, because he wanted me. But regardless, I’m the champion for a reason and I’m gonna show why I’m holding the WBC belt.
“Manny’s movement and hand speed is looking on point right now. That’s what has always made him a great fighter. He doesn’t have an easy style to replicate and that can make sparring tricky. That’s one of the reasons he’s been so successful and why he’s in the position that he is.”
“This camp has been fantastic,” Santos said. “Everyone has been doing a great job with their piece. In the end, Mario has put in the work and he will be victorious on July 19. Take it to the bank.
“You don’t become a world champion in two weight classes by accident. Not too many people have done that, and Mario deserves his credit.”
Santos also isn’t convinced that Pacquiao’s four-year layoff will hurt the Hall of Famer.
“Manny Pacquiao is an icon. There’s nobody more worthy of this opportunity. Look at what he’s given to the sport. Also, inactivity can work in different ways. With an older guy, that time off can be something that helps him. It’s gonna be a great fight for everyone to watch, but ‘El Azteca’ will come out with the win.”
