Filipino star Manny Pacquiao comfortably made the burden for his comeback world title battle in opposition to Mario Barrios on Friday, tipping the scales at just below the 147-pound welterweight restrict.
The 46-year-old eight-division world champion — who’s returning to the ring after a four-year absence — weighed in at 146.8 lbs throughout a packed ceremony on the MGM Grand Backyard Area.
Pacquiao’s opponent in Saturday’s battle, reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Barrios, was additionally inside the burden restrict at 146.2 lbs.
“I’m so pleased I’m again as a result of boxing is my ardour and I missed boxing,” Pacquiao stated after making the burden.
The Filipino star — whose final victory got here in opposition to Keith Thurman in 2019 — is aiming to tug off an upset victory in Saturday’s bout.
Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 knockouts) introduced his return to boxing in Might, making the most of a WBC rule that enables former champions to request a direct title shot when popping out of retirement.
He will probably be dealing with the a lot youthful Barrios, who will take a 29-2-1 report in Saturday’s contest.
Barrios, 30, stated he was unfazed by the prospect of taking over dwelling legend Pacquiao, who might change into the primary fighter to win a significant world title after being inducted to boxing’s Corridor of Fame.
“I’m approaching this the identical manner I’ve all my different fights — I deal with it as simply one other title protection,” Barrios stated. “Manny has completed a lot, however it’s my time now.”
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