They say time waits for no man, but this weekend, one of the greatest fighters of all time returns to see what he’s still got left in the tank. The MGM Grand Garden Arena will host Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao as he challenges Mario Barrios for the WBC Welterweight World Championship. The Filipino legend, now 46, aims to break his own record as the oldest welterweight to win a world title at 147 pounds. He would also become the first fighter already inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame to claim a world championship.

Mario “El Azteca” Barrios, a San Antonio native, is the current WBC Welterweight World Champion with a record of 29-2-1 (18 KOs). He won the WBC interim welterweight title against Yordenis Ugás in 2023 and defended his full title in a split draw against Abel Ramos in November 2024—a fight he arguably lost and was lucky to escape with his title intact. It’s safe to say Barrios will need a much stronger performance this weekend to fend off a determined challenge from Pacquiao.

Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao, a Filipino boxing legend, has a record of 62-8-2 (39 KOs). The only eight-division world champion in boxing history, he last fought in August 2021, losing the WBA welterweight title to Yordenis Ugás by unanimous decision. Amazingly, I expect a much sharper performance from Manny this weekend than the one he delivered against Ugás. Though he’s five years older, I think the break will have done him good. The man has been in some serious wars over the years and was renowned for being an active fighter throughout his decorated career. Plus, there’s almost more at stake here. With a win, Pacquiao hopes to lure Floyd Mayweather back into the ring for a second fight, which would generate serious buzz in the boxing world—not to mention swell Pac-Man’s retirement fund with a hefty payday!

Call me crazy! Call me a hopeless romantic even. But I’m predicting the Filipino legend rolls back the years and gets the job done on Saturday, adding another incredible achievement to his already legendary career!

UNDERCARD : A stacked one!

•  Sebastian Fundora vs. Tim Tszyu: WBC super welterweight title rematch.

•  Isaac Cruz vs. Angel Fierro: Super lightweight rematch.

•  Brandon Figueroa vs. Joet Gonzalez: Featherweight bout.

•  Gary Russell Jr. vs. Hugo Castaneda: Lightweight bout.

Enjoy the violence.
Phil.

Phillip Dean

Phillip Dean is a seasoned combat sports journalist from England, with over 27 years of ringside experience. Phillip delivers engaging, in-depth reporting on the world of combat sports.