Manny Pacquaio relishing underdog role ahead of professional boxing return

Manny Pacquaio has vowed to defy his underdog status as he gets set to end his near four-year long boxing against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in Las Vegas on July 19.

The hugely-anticipated showdown comes after the eight-weight world champion reversed his retirement plans last month, agreeing to step back inside the ring in a quest to add the WBC's green and gold 154lbs strap to his already stacked honours list.

Pacquaio hasn't fought professionally since being comprehensively beaten by Yordenis Ugas in September 2021, with that loss prompting the Filipino star to draw the curtain upon his illustrious career and instead pursue a career in politics.

Despite his retirement, the 46-year-old did feature in an exhibition bout against K-1 champion Rukiya Anpo 12 months ago, but looked a shell of himself against a far younger and vibrant opponent.

Speculation has since mounted that the fighting legend could be persuaded to make a return to elite-level boxing, a notion that ultimately proved true when it was announced that he would lock-horns with WBC champion Barrios last month.

Despite widespread concern for his health, 'PacMan' has revealed he is feeling as fit, strong and as quick as ever before, even going as far as to suggest fight fans could witness a career-best performance...

"My retirement has allowed me to rest - my body feels young. You’ll see," Pacquiao told Ring Magazine.

I miss boxing and I am coming back because boxing serves my passion. Ever since I stopped boxing, I’ve been thinking about it. You know the results of the fights that I’m the underdog. I love that. It gives me inspiration and determination.

- Manny Pacquiao (The Ring Magazine)

"You know how I prepare for a fight. I am not taking it lightly. I work hard and am punishing myself to the limit. I can assure that I will be 100 percent prepared for the fight.

"I’m faster than him and my movement and speed is still there - nothing has been lost, and I can also still develop it and improve!

"I always bring surprises to the fans, I'm the underdog and I like it - we know what happens when that is the case!"

American title-holder Barrios has been perceived as the pick of the bunch amongst the 154lbs contenders, with Pacquaio and his team believing the 30-year-old is, of all the title-holders at super-welterweight, most beatable.

The Texan laboured to a disappointing split-draw against gatekeeper Abel Ramos last time out whilst he has also previously been well beaten by Keith Thurman and Gervonta Davis.

However, despite that, Amir Khan is just one of a number of former fighters feeling that Pacquaio, at this stage of his career, has bitten off far more than he can chew.

"It's a fantastic fight for Mario, he needs that big fight," the two-time world champion said recently.

"He'll be paid well and fighting a legend like Manny Pacquiao, who would say no to that - Mario deserves this fight because he's a very good fighter and every fighter wants that big payday. It will be fantastic for him.

"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 and dangerous fight for him."

Mark Mothershaw

• Mario Barrios v Manny Pacquiao
• Manny Pacquaio
• Mario Barrios
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