Mauricio Sulaiman smiled as he recalled the decision throughout which a boxing legend requested him to problem present welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
The president of the World Boxing Council (WBC) didn’t give it some thought for a second and instantly started working to meet the request of the legendary Manny Pacquiao.
Probably the most iconic and revered figures in boxing historical past is again.
“It was a positive call, I told him I wanted to challenge the champion one more time and that I can still fight. He was happy to hear that,” Pacquiao advised L.A. Occasions en Español.
Manny Pacquiao speaks about his boxing comeback at a information convention in Los Angeles on June 3.
(Greg Beacham / Related Press)
Sulaiman fulfilled “PacMan’s” want and his bout in opposition to “Aztec Warrior” Barrios can be on July 19 on the MGM Grand Backyard Enviornment in Las Vegas.
“He called me and said, ‘Help me fulfill my dream of retiring with the WBC, which was where I started at flyweight,’” Sulaiman mentioned. “Manny’s relationship with the WBC is decades old, we’ve been in very good times and we’ve been in difficult times and now that he needs support, we are here for him.”
Born into poverty within the Philippines, Pacquiao turned the one boxer to win world titles in eight completely different divisions, from flyweight to tremendous welterweight. He defeated Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera.
His explosive type, pace and charisma made him a worldwide idol, particularly in Asia and Latin America. Along with being world champion in a number of our bodies (WBC, WBA, WBO, WBO, IBF), he was acknowledged as “Boxer of the Decade” by the Boxing Writers Assn. in 2010 and in addition developed a political profession, turning into a senator in his nation, which cemented his standing as a nationwide hero within the Philippines.
Throughout his profession, Pacquiao has suffered eight losses and two attracts, however his spectacular 62 victories — 39 of them by knockout — earned him a spot within the Boxing Corridor of Fame. He’s being inducted in Canastota, N.Y., on June 8.
The previous champion has been welcomed by the boxing world with open arms, however with warning.
Pacquiao claims his hand actions are simply as fast as in his prime, however at 46, many doubt he is similar as earlier than. In August 2021, Pacquiao misplaced a unanimous resolution to Cuba’s Yordenis Ugás in what was then his final struggle earlier than retirement.
Through the struggle in opposition to Ugás, Pacquiao regarded gradual, unresponsive and in what appeared to be the twilight of his profession. He mentioned a number of points brought on his issues throughout the struggle, amongst them, his political profession, a lawsuit in opposition to him by his former promoter Paradigm Sports activities Administration and muscle illnesses that had been additional infected by a pre-fight therapeutic massage.
Pacquiao did say whether or not he can be round to face extra of boxing’s stars after his bout with Barrios.
“I’m still here, one at a time,” Pacquiao mentioned. “This is me, if there are changes in my fighting style, I have to listen to my body, my heart and if my mind is also there, then I will know if I’m done.”
Manny Pacquiao wears the champion’s belt after defeating Brandon Rios throughout their WBO worldwide welterweight title struggle on Nov. 24, 2013, in Macau.
(Vincent Yu / Related Press)
For the reason that announcement of his return, many have proven concern for what would possibly occur to him within the ring in opposition to a youthful and bodily match Barrios.
“I appreciate that they are concerned, however, the only people I worry about is my family,” Pacquiao mentioned. “How I move, how I train, what kind of condition I’m in, they support me because they can still see the old Manny Pacquiao.”
Throughout his four-year absence from boxing, he was devoted to his household and his nation as a politician, however he mentioned he remained energetic and in good bodily situation, so he feels his return to the ring is not going to be tough.
“At my home in the Philippines, I have my own training facility, with a gym, two basketball courts, everything — pickleball, badminton, table tennis,” Pacquiao mentioned. “Plus, I have a yard in the back of my house that’s a kilometer long where I run.”
Sixteen years separate Pacquiao and Barrios.
Pacquiao made his skilled debut in January 1995, Barrios was born simply 4 months later. That bout will pit expertise versus youth.
Barrios could have extra parts in his favor, reminiscent of his peak, as he stands 6-feet tall whereas Pacquiao is 5-foot-5. Barrios’ attain is 71 inches, whereas Pacquiao’s attain is 67 inches.
“I’m younger, I have youth on my side, he has the experience, but I have to go out there and use all that advantage, my height, my speed, my timing, if I do that I can come out on top.”
Though the affirmation of the struggle got here as a shock to many, Barrios was mentally ready for the likelihood. He knew that the return of a legend like Pacquiao was not an remoted rumor, however a latent choice.
“At first, I really couldn’t believe it, but I had been told it could happen anytime in 2025,” recounted the San Antonio, Texas native, who has a document of 29 wins, two losses and one draw. “I thought the best thing to do was to be ready, in March I was told it could happen during the summer, then I felt it would definitely happen. He’s a legend, he’s achieved so much, but at the end of the day, he’s a fighter who wants to take my title.”
Yordenis Ugas punches Manny Pacquiao throughout a welterweight championship boxing match on Aug. 21, 2021, in Las Vegas.
(John Locher / Related Press)
Pacquiao might have chosen a extra accessible opponent for his comeback, somebody who would enable him to regain his rhythm and confidence. However he selected Barrios, a champion in his prime.
“I don’t know if it’s an insult or complement,” Barrios mirrored. “The type of fight he brings to the ring is a lot of action, I have to be smart, I shouldn’t let him succeed.”
Whereas he respects Pacquiao’s legacy, Barrios is set to impose his personal stamp on a historic night.
He’s recognized for the way in which he arrives within the ring, accompanied by conventional Aztec dancers, in addition to his colourful apparel that represents his indigenous roots.
Barrios hopes to proceed along with his conventional entrance, however he mentioned the event requires one thing particular.
“It’s going to be a very similar entry, always bringing the … ancestral strength,” Barrios mentioned. “… I’m going to have all that, but we’re going to do something even bigger.”
This text first appeared in Spanish through L.A. Occasions en Español.
