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If Manny Pacquiao Beats Mario Barrios, Brian Norman Wants Next
Article
Hans Themistode
Hans Themistode
RingMagazine.com
If Manny Pacquiao Beats Mario Barrios, Brian Norman Wants Next
Things haven’t been officially announced just yet, but unless Manny Pacquiao changes his mind he’ll end his four-year retirement and take on Mario Barrios in July in Las Vegas, Nevada.

There’s a large population of boxing fans and analysts shaking their heads in disgust. Pacquiao is 46 and hasn’t fought since losing a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas in 2021. But while some want to see him grow grey hairs on the sidelines, Brian Norman Jr. is hoping that he follows through with his comeback.

“Shoot, I wanna see it,” Norman told reporter Sean Zittel. “ I wanna see it. He’s a legend in the game. I wish the best for him.”

Odds haven’t been released pertaining to their showdown just yet, but most pundits have a difficult time picking a winner. Pacquiao is a legend of the sport and one of the greatest fighters it has ever seen. However, Father Time usually gets the last laugh.



Norman, like many, isn’t sure how things will play out. If you forced him to get off the fence and pick a side, he would reluctantly answer.

“Manny Pacquiao been out for a while so if anything, I gotta go towards Barrios.”

Defeating an aged champion who’s clearly past his best doesn’t always do wonders for someone’s career. Barrios, however, could use the credibility that comes along with beating a fighter such as Pacquiao.

At the tail end of 2024, the 30-year-old was asked to make a routine defense of his WBC welterweight title against Abel Ramos. On paper, it looked like your normal, run-of-the-mill defense. It didn't play out that way.

Barrios, who was dropped in the sixth round, was happy to escape with his championship status intact after leaving with a split-decision draw.

Pacquiao, if he hasn’t become a complete shell of himself, might be able to take advantage of Barrios according to Norman.

For now, it’s unclear whether or not Pacquiao’s return would be a one-off, or if he’s sticking around longer. If the latter is true and he grabs the WBC 147-pound title, Norman, who defends his WBO strap against Jin Sasaki on June 19, would be down to unify.

“If he wins that fight, I’m right here. Let’s make business.”

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