The 45-year-old former eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao is aiming for a welterweight title fight against Mario Barrios in Las Vegas later this year, according to his promoter Sean Gibbons, who spoke with ESPN.
His goal is to win a title match against Mario Barrios, the WBC welterweight champion.
"I made history at 40 beating Keith Thurman and I feel at 45, I have a lot left in the game as I haven't taken a lot of punishment over the last few years," Pacquiao told ESPN.
How will Pacquiao fare
Since his decision loss to Yordensi Ugas in 2021, Pacquiao has not competed professionally, before running for presidency in 2022.
Pacquiao is 16 years older than Barrios, who is 29 years old. In September of last year, he shocked Ugas to win the interim WBC title at 147 pounds.
Pacquiao has been boxing for as long as Barrios is alive. In 1995, Pacquiao started his boxing career, the same year Barrios was born.
Pacquiao’s recent sporting endeavors
Pacquiao, who has been enjoying the rest from the rigorous demands of boxing, attempted to qualify for the Olympics in Paris last year but was turned down because of age limitations.
After suffering defeats to Thurman and Gervonta Davis, Barrios has recovered with three victories, positioning himself for what may prove to be the pivotal match of his career.
Barrios recently defeated Fabian Maidana in May to improve his career record to 29-2 .
"Manny Pacquiao is a future Hall of Famer, a legend and someone I looked up to growing up. To share the ring with him would be an honor and a dream come true," Barrios said.
