Manny Pacquiao is formally able to return.
Broadly thought-about to be one of many biggest boxers of his technology, Pacquiao is the one boxer in historical past to win 12 world titles throughout eight totally different weight divisions. Again in 2021, Pacquiao retired from the candy science after a 26-year skilled profession. Following retirement, Pacquiao nonetheless participated in a number of exhibition bouts to remain energetic, however on Saturday, he ends his four-year retirement when he takes on Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. And now that battle is official as each males efficiently made weight on Friday.
Although Pacquiao started his profession at flyweight (112 kilos), he spent the ultimate decade of his profession competing at 147 kilos and had no difficulty making that weight for Friday, tipping the scales at 146.8 kilos. Barrios, the WBC champion, got here in at 146.2 kilos.
After the ceremonial weigh-ins, Pacquiao spoke to the gang about why he selected to return at 46 years previous.
“To start with, I’m so glad as a result of I’m again,” Pacquiao mentioned. “I’m again as a result of boxing is my ardour. I missed boxing. I’m so grateful to God, as a result of till now, he gave me the power, saved me protected, and gave me good well being. That’s why Manny Pacquiao remains to be right here. …
“These 4 years that I retired, I actually missed boxing. It was good for my physique as a result of I used to be in a position to give my physique a relaxation for 4 years. … Now I’m again. I’m excited for the battle. I’m actually hungry to win once more, and provides the followers a superb battle. I do know the followers are ready for a superb battle. I do know Barrios is working onerous. That’s our job, to entertain the gang, to present you a superb battle, and to fulfill on Saturday night time.”
Take a look at the total Pacquiao vs. Barrios weigh-in outcomes beneath.
Major Card, 8 p.m. ET, PBC on PRIME PPV
Manny Pacquiao (146.8) vs. Mario Barrios (146.2)
Sebastian Fundora (152.6) vs. Tim Tszyu (153.2)
Isaac Cruz (138.8) vs. Omar Salcido (139.4)
Brandon Figueroa (126.0) vs. Joet Gonzalez (125.0)
Preliminary Card, 5:30 p.m., Amazon Prime (free for members)
Gary Russell Jr. (131.6) vs. Hugo Castaneda (135.8)
David Picasso (125.8) vs. Kyonosuke Kameda (126.0)
Mark Magsayo (129.0) vs. Jorge Mata (129.0)