Manny Pacquiao makes a controversial return to the ring this year in an attempt to become the oldest welterweight world champion in the sport’s history, a record he set in 2019.
‘PacMan’ will face titleholder Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas at 46-years-old. The Filipino fighting legend was installed in the number five contender slot by the WBC for the fight to be sanctioned, drawing criticism for how unfair the match-up is to active contenders. Opinions differ on how the fight itself will play out.
Amir Khan was a training partner and potential opponent for Pacquiao and has also sparred rounds with Barrios. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said prime-for-prime Pacquiao wins, but appears to lean more towards the current champion in these circumstances.
“It’s a fantastic fight for Mario, he needs that big fight. He’ll be paid well and fighting a legend like Manny Pacquiao, who would say no to that?
“Mario deserves this fight because every fighter wants that big payday. It will be fantastic for him. When me and Virgil [Hunter] were training together, I used to spar with him quite a lot. He’s a very good boxer. I don’t know how much Manny’s got left in him. If they were in their prime, in their peak, then I’d say all day Manny Pacquiao. But this could be a tricky fight for Pacquiao.
“At the end of the day, he’s been out of the ring for a long time and has he still got the fire in his belly? Barrios, I’m sure he’s going to come in wanting to win this fight because it can change his life.”
