Former Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, left, and Japanese mixed martial arts fighter Chihiro Suzuki pose during a press conference on Monday, June 10, 2024, in Tokyo. They will fight in a three-round match in July.
11:01 JST, June 11, 2024
TOKYO (AP) — Manny Pacquiao said Monday that a title fight against Mario Barrios is in the works, with details still being negotiated.
Pacquiao, a former world champion who retired in 2021, spoke in Japan on Monday to promote a three-round boxing exhibition against Japanese MMA fighter Chihiro Suzuki on July 28.
“We are still in negotiations,” the 45-year-old Pacquiao said of the potential Barrios fight for the WBC welterweight title. “And that’s what we’re talking about. The battle is not over yet. But those negotiations are still ongoing.”
He hinted that a possible fight would take place in November or December. But he said his thoughts were with Suzuki.
“I just want to tell everyone. This is not an exhibition. This is a fight, a three-round fight,” Pacquiao said. “We will be looking for a knockout for this fight. So you better watch, and there will be plenty of action in the ring. And of course I will do my best to win by knockout. Thank you.”
Pacquiao lost in the battle for the presidency of the Philippines in 2022.
His career boxing record is 62 wins (39 KOs), 8 losses and 2 draws.
Suzuki knows he is dealing with a legend.
“In a way, this is a challenge for me,” he said. “It is a real honor to fight someone who has made history, so I will treat him with respect. For me it is one of the biggest challenges of my life and a test that I must overcome.”
