By REYNALD MAGALLON
Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is last to be concerned about his age ahead of his comeback fight against Mario Barrios on July 19.
Not a few fans expressed concerns on whether Pacquiao can still fight at his age, all the more a World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight championship against a younger and taller Barrios.
But Pacquiao, as if he found the fountain of youth before deciding to make his ring return, confidently allayed fears regarding his fitness.
“My body, I feel young. You can see like I said I always bring surprises to the fans in every fight so I’m sure me and Barrios, we can give a good fight to the fans that we can assure that,” said Pacquiao.
Now 46, Pacquiao aims to be the oldest welterweight champion – a feat he first achieved at the age of 42 when defeated Keith Thurman in 2019.
And Pacquiao said he’s back to the punishing training and workout just to get himself ready for the fight against Barrios.
“You know me, how I prepare for a fight, I’m not taking it lightly. I work hard and I’m punishing myself to the limit so I can assure that I’ll be in 100 percent condition for the fight,” he vowed.
Still, with Barrios’ age and size advantage, the American champion is heavily favored to retain his belt, especially with the uncertainty on how well Pacquiao can move in the ring four years after his last fight.
But Pacquiao is holding on to his experience – a career that began even before Barrios was born.
“Experience is a big factor in this fight. I’ve been through a lot of hard flights. I can use my experience in this fight but I’m not underestimating the opponent. I have to make sure that I’m 100 percent condition,” he added.
