Manny Pacquiao Eyes Another Title: Fight with Mario Barrios in Negotiation

Manny Pacquiao, former world champion, is in negotiations for a title fight against Mario Barrios while preparing for a three-round exhibition with Chihiro Suzuki in Japan. The potential fight is targeted for November or December. Pacquiao is aiming for a knockout in his upcoming exhibition bout.

Manny Pacquiao announced on Monday that negotiations are underway for a potential title fight against Mario Barrios. Pacquiao, who retired in 2021, is currently promoting a three-round exhibition fight against Japanese MMA fighter Chihiro Suzuki, scheduled for July 28 in Japan.

The 45-year-old Filipino boxing legend stated, “We're still under negotiation. The fight with Barrios is not materialized yet, but the negotiation is ongoing.” Pacquiao suggested that the title fight, should it happen, would likely be in November or December. Despite the negotiations, his immediate focus remains on Suzuki. “This is not an exhibition; this is a fight, and we will be looking for a knockout,” said Pacquiao. “You better watch, and it's going to be a lot of action in the ring. I’ll do my best to win by knockout.”

Pacquiao, who lost a bid for the presidency of the Philippines in 2022, boasts a career boxing record of 62 wins (39 KOs), 8 losses, and 2 draws. Suzuki acknowledged the significant challenge ahead of him, stating, “It's a real honor to fight against someone who has made history. For me, it's one of the biggest challenges of my life and a test that I have to overcome.”