Manny Pacquiao’s crew is working onerous to line up a WBA welterweight title battle towards Mario Barrios, they usually’re feeling fairly assured about it. Pacquiao’s supervisor, Sean Gibbons, lately headed to the WBC Conference in Hamburg, Germany, and made it very clear that Pacquiao “needs to problem Barrios.” At 45 years outdated, Pacquiao’s window for really aggressive motion is closing, so Gibbons and firm hope to get this battle performed sooner somewhat than later. “Manny was simply in Dubai,” Gibbons informed Boxing Scene, “and 2025 might be his final 12 months of actual aggressive boxing, and he’d nonetheless love the Mario Barrios battle, and a few individuals consider Manny actually has a shot in that battle, and that’s been the aim to make.”
Barrios, who at present holds the WBA welterweight belt, has additionally caught the curiosity of Conor Benn. Benn is newly reinstated after a suspension following a optimistic take a look at for banned substances again in 2022. Regardless of that curiosity, Pacquiao’s crew believes Barrios is one of the best wager for a deal. One cause is that Barrios is backed by Premier Boxing Champions and Al Haymon, who’ve labored with Pacquiao a number of occasions up to now. “You’ll have a look at Mario Barrios being with PBC, Mr. Al Haymon, who’s performed Manny Pacquiao’s final three or 4 fights,” Gibbons defined, “and he’s the one one who’s stepped up. There’s been a number of discuss doing stuff, however Al Haymon’s the one one which’s put his cash the place his mouth and promotions are.”
One other issue is the timing. Pacquiao is planning to run for re-election to the Philippine Senate, however he nonetheless has just a few months free. In response to Gibbons, “Manny got here in in Vegas [against Lehlo Ledwaba] he can exit in Vegas.” In different phrases, if they’ll lock on this battle with Barrios, Las Vegas could be a great stage for Pacquiao to have one final main run. Gibbons referred to as the subsequent three or 4 months a “excellent time” to coach, giving Pacquiao the preparation he wants for a severe problem.
