LAS VEGAS — While
Manny Pacquiao is trying to make history by becoming the
second-oldest champion in boxing history,
Mario Barrios is embracing the idea of beating the 46-year-old Hall of Famer into retirement just like he did to Oscar De La Hoya in 2008.
The drama unfolds July 19 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas as the fight headlines a PBC on Prime Video PPV.
“I'm ready to get backlash if I retire him — it comes with it,” the WBC welterweight champion Barrios told
The Ring. “Any fighter in my division would be more than happy to take this fight as well. It's just my job to go in there and do what I do best.”
Pacquiao has been labelled the “Mexecutioner” for his wins against Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales, Antonio Margarito, De La Hoya and others.
The Barrera win was Pacquiao’s original breakout in 2003; brutally beating De La Hoya with an unstoppable onslaught was his star-making performance.
Barrios is a 30-year-old Mexican-American from San Antonio, Texas, who proudly represents his Aztec roots. He doesn’t want to be another name added to the Mexecutioner’s hit list, and he’s heading into the contest with a “kill or be killed” mentality.
“He's beaten a lot of Mexican fighters before, but he hasn't faced a Mexican fighter like me,” said Barrios. “Every time I step in the ring I represent my Mexican roots and indigenous roots very proudly.
“I'm preparing as if I am fighting a prime Manny. He's a legend for a reason. He’s still dangerous. It's my job to go in there and defend my title. I am expecting the best version of Manny regardless.
“Maybe I am going to be the one who retires him. That's not what my goal is going in there. I just want to make sure I go home with my strap. A name like Manny is huge for my resume.”
The minus-370 betting favorite Barrios said fans can expect him to slay the legend — just don’t ever expect him to be fighting as a quadragenarian like his Filipino counterpart.
“Oh hell no,” Barrios laughs. “I love boxing. I love what I do. But I'm not trying to get in there against these young guys when I am 40.”
Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan