Pacquiao / Barrios LA Presser!
(to preview move slider to 1:13:26)
(June 3rd) Today in the second leg of their July 19th title fight launch press tour boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios hit the stage at The NOVO at L.A. Live.
Venue: MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Promoter: Premiere Boxing Champions, Tom Brown (TGB Promotions)
Matchmaker: Tom Brown
Media: Prime Video
Pacquiao vs. Barrios bout will be broadcast live as a Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) Pay-Per-View event exclusively on Prime Video, Saturday, July 19, 2025, starting at 8 PM Eastern Time (5 PM Pacific Time).
Tickets for the Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios fight July 19, 2025, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas are available through SeatGeek (click here),
Vivid Seats (click here) or Gametime (click here).
At 46 years old, Pacquiao, 66-8-2, 39Ko’s aims to make history by becoming the first fighter to win a world title as an International Boxing Hall of Famer. His last fight was in August 2021 against Yordenis Ugas.
During the press conference, Pacquiao stated that his time away from boxing has rejuvenated him. He emphasized feeling young and ready to surprise fans, expressing high motivation and confidence despite the age gap and his underdog status.
Barrios, 30, a San Antonio native with a record of 29-2-1, 18Ko’s, is making the second defense of his WBC welterweight title. He expressed excitement about facing a legend like Pacquiao and promised an intense bout, referencing his admiration for Pacquiao’s storied career.
The press conference also featured fighters from the undercard, including a WBC Super Welterweight title rematch between Sebastian Fundora and Tim Tszyu, as well as bouts involving Isaac Cruz, Angel Fierro, Brandon Figueroa, and Joet Gonzalez.
Both Pacquiao and Barrios appeared relaxed and respectful. Pacquiao was all smiles, while Barrios highlighted a “kill or be killed” mentality. The event set the stage for a generational showdown, with Pacquiao seeking to defy the odds against the younger, taller champion.
In the co-main event: Coachella, California, Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora, 22-1-1, 14Ko's rematches Rockdale, New South Wales, Australia’s, Tim “The Soul Taker” Tszyu, 25-2, 18Ko's for Fundora’s WBC super welterweight title. Fundora won their first meeting by split decision earlier this year.
In another rematch, Mexico City, Mexico’s, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, 27-3-1, 18Ko’s faces Lakeside, California, Angel “Tashiro” Fierro, 23-3-2, 18Ko’s with Cruz having won their first fight by unanimous decision in February.
Weslaco, Texas, former WBC Interim World Featherweight Champion, Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa, 25-2-1, 19Ko’s takes on Los Angeles, California’s, Joet Gonzalez, 27-4, 15Ko’s. Figueroa, a two-division champion, faces Gonzalez as both look to rebound from recent losses and climb back into title contention.
Pacquiao, 62-8-2, 39Ko’s, who last fought professionally in August 2021, losing a unanimous decision to Miami, Florida, former WBA Welterweight Champion Yordenis “54 Milagros” Ugas seeks to reclaim welterweight glory after nearly four years away from championship action. The Filipino legend’s comeback comes just weeks after his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, marking a historic chapter in a career that has captivated fans worldwide.
San Antonio, Texas, 29-year-old, Barrios, 29-2-1, 18Ko’s known for his height, reach, and aggressive orthodox style, captured the belt in June 2024 and is currently ranked No. 3 at welterweight by The Ring. Barrios with notable wins over Yordenis Ugas and Fabian Maidana is coming off a November 2024 split draw against Casa Grande, Arizona, journeyman, Abel Ramos.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has sanctioned the bout, utilizing the organization’s rule that allows former champions to challenge for their belts upon returning to the sport. The fight has already ignited debate among fans and pundits, with some questioning the merit of Pacquiao’s immediate title shot, while others celebrate the return of one of boxing’s most beloved figures.
Pacquiao, who has been balancing his political ambitions with his athletic career, is reportedly already in training and confident he can compete at the highest level. According to sources close to the fighter, Pacquiao believes he has “two or three fights” left in him and is eager to remind the world of his greatness.
The tentative July 19th event promises high drama and global attention, as Pacquiao aims to defy age and the odds against a hungry, younger champion in Barrios. The fight believed to be already signed and imminent Pacquiao was a Senator in the Philippines June 30th, 2016, to June 30th, 2022
currently in the midst of a close election to win his seat back the official announcement will not happen until after the May 12th election.
Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios
Las Vegas Kick-Off Press Conference!
Pacquiao, who is set to challenge San Antonio, Texas, WBC Welterweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand, made it clear that he is not treating this as an exhibition. “You know me, Manny Pacquiao. I always bring surprises to the fans, and that's my passion,” he stated, emphasizing his determination and love for the sport. He added, “If I didn’t believe I could win, I wouldn’t be here... Fighting is my passion. It’s in my blood.” Addressing concerns about his age, Pacquiao confidently said, “Don’t worry about it,” and warned Barrios, “I WILL HURT YOU!”
On the other side, the 30-year-old, Mario Barrios, 29-2-1, 18Ko’s the reigning WBC welterweight champion, coming off a November 2024 split decision draw versus Abel Ramos expressed both respect and resolve.
Barrios, known for his high-volume punching and physical prime, acknowledged the magnitude of the event: “This is my moment. I’m defending my title against a legend.” He made it clear that he is not interested in being part of a farewell tour for Pacquiao, asserting, “Manny is a legend, but I’m the champion now. I’ve earned this belt, and I plan on keeping it.” Barrios concluded, “He’s done amazing things, but this is my time. I’m stronger, I’m sharper, and I’m going to show it.” The press conference set the stage for a dramatic generational clash, with Pacquiao promising to push himself to the limit and Barrios determined to prove he belongs at the top.
About the Premier Boxing Champions
Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), was created for television by Haymon Sports, LLC, in January 2015. PBC is a boxing series that returns the sweet science to its rightful place atop the sports pantheon.
Featuring today’s best and brightest stars in their toughest, most anticipated bouts, Premier Boxing Champions is broadcast live and free to air on SHOWTIME, FOX, FOX Sports 1, FOX Deportes, Bounce and ITV.
PBC takes boxing back to its roots. This is boxing, pure and simple, where what’s brought to the fight, mentally and physically, is what determines who goes home the winner, and who just goes home.
Bouts featured within the PBC Series are promoted by licensed promoters, with each bout in accordance with applicable regulatory rules and regulations.
(May 31st) Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios Las Vegas kick off press conference. The rest of the card is absolutely stacked with co main event featuring the rematch between Sebastian Fundora vs Tim Tszyu, Brandon Figueroa vs Joet Gonzalez and Isaac Cruz vs Angel Fierro.
Boxing fans witnessed the return of a legend, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and the confidence of a rising champion. Manny Pacquiao, the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, officially announced his comeback at age 46, nearly four years after his last professional fight and following his induction into the Hall of Fame.
Print