Manny Pacquiao’s crew is working arduous to line up a WBA welterweight title combat towards Mario Barrios, and so they’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 “desires to problem Barrios.” At 45 years previous, Pacquiao’s window for really aggressive motion is closing, so Gibbons and firm hope to get this combat performed sooner moderately than later. “Manny was simply in Dubai,” Gibbons instructed Boxing Scene, “and 2025 might be his final 12 months of actual aggressive boxing, and he’d nonetheless love the Mario Barrios combat, and a few individuals consider Manny actually has a shot in that combat, and that’s been the purpose to make.”
Barrios, who at the moment 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 purpose is that Barrios is backed by Premier Boxing Champions and Al Haymon, who’ve labored with Pacquiao a number of occasions prior to now. “You’d take 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 numerous 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 a number of months free. In accordance with Gibbons, “Manny got here in in Vegas [against Lehlo Ledwaba] he can exit in Vegas.” In different phrases, if they will lock on this combat with Barrios, Las Vegas could be a super stage for Pacquiao to have one final main run. Gibbons known as the subsequent three or 4 months a “excellent time” to coach, giving Pacquiao the preparation he wants for a severe problem.