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COMEBACK. Back in boxing, Manny Pacquiao says he's excited to win again.
Photo courtesy of Jhay Otamias
‘For 24 years, I cannot imagine that I am still kicking and fighting. That's a blessing, and I am thankful,’ says Manny Pacquiao ahead of his ring comeback against Mario Barrios
LAS VEGAS, USA – Don’t be fooled by the smiling, gentle faces of Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios during their face-off on Wednesday, July 16, at the Studio Ballroom of MGM Grand.
Come Saturday night, July 19 (Sunday, July 20, Philippine time), when they battle for Barrios’ WBC welterweight belt, they will wear different masks. Those of gladiators bracing for an all-out war and bent on beating up one another.
Pacquiao was warm and cordial when he looked up to Barrios, who is 6 inches taller at 6-foot-flat, especially because the Mexican-American has been respectful throughout the buildup of the intriguing collision between a throwback fighter and a current generation talent.
Even when Barrios was asked who’d emerge victorious and replied “And still….,” Pacquiao hardly reacted.

The Filipino icon had been through 72 ring wars, eight against fellow Hall of Famers, and 15 at the MGM Grand, and he had heard taunts and insults far worse.
Reminded that his breakout fight at the MGM Grand against the late South African champion Lehlo Ledwaba happened in 2001, Pacquiao couldn’t help but reminisce.
“For 24 years, I cannot imagine that I am still kicking and fighting. That’s a blessing, and I am thankful. I’ve been the challenger many times, and I’m excited to win the fight,” said Pacquiao. “He’s a good fighter also, I know that we can create and give a good fight to the fans.”
All that the only eight-division world champion wanted was to provide all-out action on Saturday. And Barrios will oblige.
“I am ready for war,” said the pride of San Antonio, Texas. “I have confidence in my preparation and we had a great camp. “I’m in my prime. I’ve been preparing for 12 rounds of non-stop action. I know his style.”

Although he considers Pacquiao “a very likable person,” Barrios said he is looking at Pacquiao as another opponent going after his title and that “the best man will come with the raised hand.”
Although the odds are in his favor, Barrios, listed as -270 against Pacquiao’s +210, refuses to be confident.
“I wasn’t aware. I don’t really pay attention to the odds. I just put in the work, show up. Regardless of favorite or not, I am just going to show I am the current WBC welterweight champion.”
“This is huge, historic. It’s my time now,” said Barrios, who wonders whether Pacquiao, at 46, can still keep up at this level. “I am looking forward to testing him.”
On Saturday night, Pacquiao will provide the answer. – Rappler.com
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