TGB Promotions President Tom Brown (C) looks on as Manny Pacquiao (L) and WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios (R) pose during their news conference at MGM Grand Hotel &; Casino on July 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Barrios is scheduled to defend his title vs Pacquiao on July 19 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP
For more Pacquiao vs Barrios stories: The Pacquiao Files
LAS VEGAS–Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios, with the WBC welterweight belt wrapped around his shoulder, faced off again before Saturday’s showdown at MGM Grand here.
The two shared smiles and exchanged pleasantries at Wednesday’s final press conference but don’t expect the same on fight night.
READ: Pacquiao resumes grind in Las Vegas, mindful of body at 46
“Manny is a very likable person. I can’t think of anything bad to say about him other than he’s facing me for my title. It’s all smiles right now, it’s been like that since the lead-up, but come fight night, that smile is not going to be on his face and it’s not going to be on mine,” said Barrios.
Always the showman, Pacquiao promised to put on a spectacular show in his first fight after a four-year retirement.
“Our job is to entertain the fans with a real fight. Not a boring fight,” said the 47-year-old Pacquiao, who will attempt to become the second-oldest boxing champion in history. “I know that we can create and give a good fight to the fans. I’m pretty sure of that because we trained hard for this fight.”
READ: Pacquiao solves lingering cramps issue ahead of Barrios bout
Trainer Bob Santos said Barrios underwent a rigorous 14-week training camp as he braced for the toughest fight of his career.
“Mario left no stone unturned for this fight. We’re ready for war, toe-to-toe. All-out war. We’re prepared for the best Manny Pacquiao. We’re not sleeping on him,” Santos said.
While Pacquiao is chasing history, Barrios is seeking validation.
“I’m the champion and I’m going to prove why,” said Barrios.
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“This is a huge fight, it’s historic. Hats off to Pacquiao and his team for even daring to be great and doing what they’re doing. But it’s my time now and I’m gonna show that come Saturday.”
