Pacquiao and Barrios make weight ahead of WBC welterweight title fight at MGM Grand
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Pacquiao and Barrios make weight ahead of WBC welterweight title fight at MGM Grand
TJ Manotoc,
ABS-CBN News
Published Jul 19, 2025 09:58 AM PHT
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Updated Jul 19, 2025 11:46 AM PHT
LAS VEGAS — Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and reigning WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios successfully made weight on Friday ahead of their highly anticipated title clash at the MGM Grand Arena on Saturday night.
LAS VEGAS — Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and reigning WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios successfully made weight on Friday ahead of their highly anticipated title clash at the MGM Grand Arena on Saturday night.
Barrios, the defending champ, came in at a lean 146.2 pounds, while Pacquiao tipped the scales slightly heavier at 146.8 pounds—both comfortably under the 147-pound welterweight limit.
Barrios, the defending champ, came in at a lean 146.2 pounds, while Pacquiao tipped the scales slightly heavier at 146.8 pounds—both comfortably under the 147-pound welterweight limit.
The weigh-in event was electric, as thousands of fans packed into the MGM venue to witness the return of the “Pacman.”
The weigh-in event was electric, as thousands of fans packed into the MGM venue to witness the return of the “Pacman.”
But before Pacquiao addressed the crowd, he was greeted with a special surprise: the MGM Grand unveiled a commemorative banner hanging from the rafters, honoring Saturday’s fight as Pacquiao’s 16th bout inside the historic arena—the most by any professional boxer.
But before Pacquiao addressed the crowd, he was greeted with a special surprise: the MGM Grand unveiled a commemorative banner hanging from the rafters, honoring Saturday’s fight as Pacquiao’s 16th bout inside the historic arena—the most by any professional boxer.
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Moved by the tribute, Pacquiao reflected on his comeback and what fuels his return.
Moved by the tribute, Pacquiao reflected on his comeback and what fuels his return.
“I’m so happy because I’m back and I’m back, it’s because boxing is my passion,” he said. “I miss boxing, and I’m so thankful to God, because until now, he gave me the strength, keep me safe and give me good health. That’s why Manny Pacquiao is still here and I’m back.”
“I’m so happy because I’m back and I’m back, it’s because boxing is my passion,” he said. “I miss boxing, and I’m so thankful to God, because until now, he gave me the strength, keep me safe and give me good health. That’s why Manny Pacquiao is still here and I’m back.”
The 46-year-old icon last fought professionally in August of 2021 before announcing his retirement.
The 46-year-old icon last fought professionally in August of 2021 before announcing his retirement.
But after four years away, the Filipino legend says the time off was a blessing.
But after four years away, the Filipino legend says the time off was a blessing.
“You know, those four years in the past that I retired in boxing — like I really miss boxing. It’s good for my body because I was able to give it rest. I’ve been in boxing for how many decades? Since I was 12. So now I’m back. I’m excited to fight. I’m really hungry to win again and give the fans a good fight,” Pacquiao said.
“You know, those four years in the past that I retired in boxing — like I really miss boxing. It’s good for my body because I was able to give it rest. I’ve been in boxing for how many decades? Since I was 12. So now I’m back. I’m excited to fight. I’m really hungry to win again and give the fans a good fight,” Pacquiao said.
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“And I know the fans, they’re waiting for a good fight. I know Barrios is working hard — but that’s our job. That’s our job, to entertain the crowd, to give you a good fight and to satisfy [you] on Saturday night.”
“And I know the fans, they’re waiting for a good fight. I know Barrios is working hard — but that’s our job. That’s our job, to entertain the crowd, to give you a good fight and to satisfy [you] on Saturday night.”
For Barrios, this title defense against a living legend represents both a career milestone and a major challenge.
For Barrios, this title defense against a living legend represents both a career milestone and a major challenge.
“I’m approaching it the same way I have all of my other fights,” Barrios said. “I treated it as just another title defense. Manny, you know, has accomplished so much — but it’s my time.”
“I’m approaching it the same way I have all of my other fights,” Barrios said. “I treated it as just another title defense. Manny, you know, has accomplished so much — but it’s my time.”
Despite the weight of the moment, the 30-year-old champion from San Antonio kept his cool.
Despite the weight of the moment, the 30-year-old champion from San Antonio kept his cool.
“This is huge for me, for my career. Yeah, man, I’m just, I’m excited to step in there tomorrow.”
“This is huge for me, for my career. Yeah, man, I’m just, I’m excited to step in there tomorrow.”
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Saturday night’s bout promises to be more than just a clash for the WBC belt—it’s a battle between a hungry young champion and a timeless warrior chasing one more moment of glory. All eyes now turn to the MGM Grand Arena for what could be a historic night in boxing.
Saturday night’s bout promises to be more than just a clash for the WBC belt—it’s a battle between a hungry young champion and a timeless warrior chasing one more moment of glory. All eyes now turn to the MGM Grand Arena for what could be a historic night in boxing.
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