Mario Barrios vs Manny Pacquiao: ‘Bad Intentions’ Promised

On July 19, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Mario Barrios vs Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) will headline a PBC on Prime Video pay-per-view fight card. Pacquiao is making a historic return to the ring at 46 years old against WBC welterweight champ Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs). Ahead of fight night, “El Azteca” has spoken about his build-up to this latest title defence and his determination to show why he is the champion.

Mario Barrios vs Manny Pacquiao: All Business Promised from the Champion

Barrios Discusses Executing the Game Plan

Looking ahead to fight night, Barrios made it clear his intention: “It’s all smiles between us right now, but when that bell rings, we’re going in there with bad intentions. He’s trying to take my title and I have to do whatever it takes to make sure he doesn’t. 

“This has been a tremendous camp. It’s very rare to have a camp this smooth. The sparring has been perfect and I’m very happy with how everything has gone. The hard work has already been put in.

“I’m looking to go out there and showcase my skill and use any advantage I have to get my hand raised at the end of the night.

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“During training camp I haven’t really been working with the mentality that I’m facing a legend. At the end of the day,he’s another man who’s trying to fight for my title. I respect what he’s done in the sport and the person he is, but come fight night, that respect won’t be there. 

“When the fight was first brought to me I wasn’t sure whether to take it as respect or disrespect, because he wanted me. But regardless, I’m the champion for a reason and I’m gonna show why I’m holding the WBC belt.”

Respecting the Threat: Barrios Discusses Facing a Legend

Barrios also discussed the dangers of facing Pacquiao and his preparations for July 19: “Manny’s movement and hand speed is looking on point right now. That’s what has always made him a great fighter. He doesn’t have an easy style to replicate and that can make sparring tricky. That’s one of the reasons he’s been so successful and why he’s in the position that he is. 

“I have a great team behind me. I’ve been fortunate to be with some of the best in the business from the beginning. I’ve just stayed focused and stayed in the gym and that’s why I’ve gotten these opportunities. I give it 100% every time. 

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“I’ve always trained for every fight like it’s a world title fight, so this is no different. I know who I’m going against and I know the threat he is inside of the ring. But with my team and everything we’re working on in the gym, I just have to go out and execute and we’ll be victorious,” said Barrios.

Mario Barrios vs Manny Pacquiao Full Fight Card

• Mario Barrios vs Manny Pacquiao, 12 rounds, for Barrios’ WBC welterweight title
• Sebastian Fundora vs Tim Tszyu, rematch, 12 rounds, for Fundora’s WBC super lightweight title
• Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs Angel Fierro, rematch, 12 rounds, super lightweights
• Brandon Figueroa v. Joet Gonzalez, 10 rounds, featherweights
• Mark Magsayo vs Jorge Mata Cuellar, 10 rounds, super featherweights
• Alan David Picasso vs Kyonosuke Kameda, 10 rounds, super bantamweights
• Eumir Felix Marcial vs Alexis Gaytan, 6 or 8 rounds, middleweights

Stay with Big Fight Weekend for coverage of Mario Barrios vs Manny Pacquiao including results and video highlights, and post-fight analysis.

*All quotes provided are sourced from a PBC press release.