LAS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame this weekend.

But before the Pacman party heads to Canastota, New York, the 46-year-old Filipino legend took a break from training in Los Angeles and flew to “Sin City” to kick off the promotional campaign for his comeback fight.

Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) will end a 3½-year retirement and challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) on July 19. The pair met face to face for the first time Saturday at House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

Pundits are predicting the blues for Pacquiao, who is listed as a plus-290 betting underdog by DraftKings ahead of his return at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, where he’ll headline a PBC on Prime Video pay-per-view event.

“I miss boxing,” Pacquiao said. “I am coming back because boxing serves my passion. Ever since I stopped boxing, I’ve been thinking about it. … You know the results [of] the fights that I’m the underdog. I love that. It gives me inspiration and determination.”

Pacquiao last fought in August 2021 and lost a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas. Following the fight, footage showed Pacquiao's wife, Jinkee, spoon-feeding the battered and bruised boxer. Pacquiao has engaged in exhibitions in retirement, but looked like a shell of himself last time out in July 2024 against former K-1 champion Rukiya Anpo. Pacquiao took some big shots, leaving many calling for him to quit all forms of fighting for good.

“My retirement has allowed me to rest. My body feels young. You’ll see,” Pacquiao said. “I always bring surprises to the fans. We will have good action and a good fight. I am sure the fans will be satisfied and happy. I know Barrios can entertain the fans with his capacities.”

Barrios is perceived as a cherry pick and a very winnable fight for the former eight-division champion, who last scored a win in July 2019 in a turn-back-the-clock-like performance against Keith Thurman.

Barrios, 30, fought to a split draw last time out in November against durable gatekeeper Abel Ramos, as the two traded knockdowns on the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul undercard. Wins against Fabian Maidana, Ugas and Jovanie Santiago came before his draw with Ramos, which were preceded by back-to-back losses to Thurman and Gervonta Davis.

“I’ve been watching Pacquiao ever since I was a kid,” said Barrios, who wasn’t even born when Pacquiao made his pro debut in 1995. “I’ve seen him in wars against everyone in the sport from different generations. It’s not going to be hard to find him in there. I never shy away from a fire fight. It could easily be the fight of the year.

"I am expecting nothing less than an exciting fight against a prime Pacquiao. This is my moment now. It’s going to be a phenomenal night of boxing and an entertaining fight. I am going to show why I am the champion and in this position in the first place.”

Pacquiao, meanwhile, is promising he won’t become the latest past-his-prime legend to have a paltry performance.

“I’m faster than him. My movement and speed is still there,” Pacquiao said. “Nothing was lost, and I can also still develop it. … You know how I prepare for a fight. I am not taking it lightly. I work hard and am punishing myself to the limit. I can assure that I will be 100 percent prepared for the fight.”

Barrios is used to the bright lights by now, but was still soaking in the moment while being in the same room as the boxing icon. He also was soaking through his undershirt once the event concluded.

Perhaps the sweat was a result of the 103-degree day in the desert. Or perhaps it was the magnitude of the moment already taking hold.

“I was freaking out at first,” Barrios said of his reaction to getting the fight. “One, to even know Manny knew who I was. And two, he was interested in fighting me. It’s a great honor for a legend to come back and contend for my title. This is my biggest fight, and I’m excited.

“It’s been a long journey to get here. My previous fights have prepared me for a moment like this. Now I am headlining against a legend who’s seen every kind of style.”