Manny Pacquiao's Next Opponent Mario Barrios Reveals His Honest Feelings on Fighting Boxing Legend 'I Was Rooting Against Him Growing Up'

Manny Pacquiao's Next Opponent Mario Barrios Reveals His Honest Feelings on Fighting Boxing Legend 'I Was Rooting Against Him Growing Up' originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

While anticipation looms for Manny Pacquiao’s comeback, not much has been said about the reserved champion he will face in his return to the ring, Mario Barrios. While he defeated Pacquiao’s last opponent, Yordenis Ugas, in 2024, he has also fought the best of his generation, including Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and Keith Thurman. 

With this invaluable experience under his belt, Barrios knows the challenge ahead will not be easy, and that Pacquiao’s unpredictability makes him dangerous. Underneath his quiet, humble attitude, however, lies a confidence ready to bloom in the squared circle.

The WBC welterweight champion made a highly anticipated appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show on July 15, just days before his title defense against boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.

Barrios, who faces the eight-division world champion on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, opened up about the surreal nature of the matchup, his preparation, and the cultural significance of fighting a man once dubbed the "Mexicutioner."

Reflecting on the fight’s announcement, Barrios admitted, “I think it was one of those things I never really saw possible... More of a fantasy type of matchup.” 

He compared the scenario to a video game dream fight, saying, “I was explaining to somebody, you know, when you’re playing ‘Fight Night’ and you’re matching up fighters from different eras.” 

For Barrios, stepping into the ring with a living legend like Pacquiao, a fighter he grew up watching, feels like crossing generational boundaries in a way few boxers ever experience

Despite Pacquiao’s age of 46 and long layoff, Barrios isn’t underestimating him. Barrios, told Helwani that he is preparing for the best version possible

“They’re saying he’s faster, he’s rested,” Barrios said, still acknowledging that even a Pacquiao past his prime carries danger, given his unparalleled experience and ring IQ. “We have been preparing as if we’re fighting not necessarily a prime Pacquiao, but a Pacquiao from the last 10 years.”

The fight carries personal weight for Barrios, who embraces his Mexican heritage. 

When asked by Helwani whether or not he will be fighting with his heritage in mind, he admitted, “Deep inside me, there definitely is [a point of pride]... I was always a proud Mexican kid, a proud brown kid... any time Manny fought against a Mexican fighter, I was going against Manny, just because I was that kid growing up.”

“They called him the Mexicutioner for a while,” Barrios recalls. “I’m a very proud Mexican with indigenous roots. I know for even that fact alone they’re rooting for me to win.”

The WBC’s decision to grant Pacquiao an immediate title shot has drawn criticism, with pundits like Eddie Hearn questioning the merit of the matchup. 

Barrios, however, offered his own measured take, saying, “I can understand [the criticism], but I think everything that Manny has given to the sport of boxing, I think he's one of those legendary types of fighters, where he can do that.”

As fight night approaches, Barrios remains focused on the task ahead. This fight is a career-defining opportunity for the WBC champion. A win over Pacquiao, even an older version, cements his place in boxing history, while a loss could derail his momentum.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.