Manny Pacquiao's team is working hard toward a WBA welterweight title fight against Mario Barrios, and they're feeling very confident about it. Pacquiao's manager, Sean Gibbons, recently headed to the WBC convention in Hamburg, Germany, and made it very clear that Pacquiao “wants to challenge Barrios.” At 45 years old, Pacquiao's window for real competitive action is closing, so Gibbons and company are hoping to get this fight over with sooner rather than later. “Mane was just in Dubai,” Gibbons said. boxing scene, “And 2025 will probably be his last year in real competitive boxing, and he still loves the Mario Barrios fight, and some people think Manny really has a chance in that fight, and that was the goal to achieve.”
Barrios, who currently holds the WBA welterweight belt, has also captured the interest of Conor Penn. Penn was recently reinstated following a suspension after testing positive for banned substances in 2022. Despite this interest, Pacquiao's team believes Barrios is the best bet for a deal. One reason is that Barrios is backed by premier boxing champions Al Haymon, who has worked with Pacquiao several times in the past. “You can look at Mario Barrios and he's with PBC, Mr. Al Haymon, who's finished the last three or four fights for Manny Pacquiao,” Gibbons explained, “and he's the only one who's stepped up. There's been a lot of talk about doing things, but Al Haymon is the only Who put his money where his mouth is and the promotions.
Another factor is timing. Pacquiao plans to run for re-election to the Philippine Senate, but he still has a few free months left. According to Gibbons, “Mane came to Vegas (against Lilo Ledwaba) and he can go out in Vegas.” In other words, if they can get this fight with Barrios, Las Vegas would be the perfect stage for Pacquiao to land a grand finale. Gibbons described the next three or four months as the “perfect time” to train, giving Pacquiao the preparation he needs for a serious challenge.
