Manny Pacquiao Asked To Break The Duel With Mario Barrios

Manny Pacquiao is considered unbalanced against Mario Barrios (Instagram/@manypaquiao).

JAKARTA Amir Khan, a former boxer from Great Britain, asked Manny Pacquiao to cancel his plans to return from retirement and fight Mario Barrios.

Pacquiao is said to be able to make a surprise by returning to boxing and challenging Barrios to fight for the WBC welterweight world title. He is expected to make a decision on that later this month.

Amir Khan said that if the fight materialized, it would be very risky for Pacquiao. He doubts that the Filipino fighter can win because he is no longer in his golden age.

"He (Mario Barrios) is a very great boxer. I don't know how much Manny has left in him. This could be a difficult fight for Pacquiao," he said.

The WBC is expected to agree to the fight, but the final decision rests with Pacquiao. The former 46-year-old is currently busy running for the Philippine senate.

Pacquiao, who retired from boxing in 2021 after 72 professional matches, is a senator in the Philippines. He is currently engaged in general elections and is expected to make a decision afterward.

"He (Manny Pacquiao) doesn't need to come back (fight), but sometimes you really miss this sport. I'm sure people will come to watch it," Khan said.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has previously confirmed plans for a Manny Pacquiao duel against Mario Barrios on the sidelines of the recent fight between Canelo Alvarez and William Scull in Saudi Arabia.

According to reports, Pacquiao and Barrios duels will take place on July 19, 2025. The clashes are planned to take place in Las Vegas, United States.

"It's a fantastic duel for Mario, he needs a big fight. He will be well paid and fight a legend like Manny Pacquiao, who will turn it down?"

"Mario deserves this fight because every fighter wants a big fee. It will be a fantastic fight for him," Khan said.