Manny Pacquiao stands on the verge of securing a shot on the WBC welterweight title after championship goal Mario Barrios grew to become full champion.
On Monday, the World Boxing Council confirmed to World Boxing Information that Barrios is not the interim titleholder. This state of affairs means Pacquiao will likely be difficult for the inexperienced and gold belt as soon as a deal is signed and sealed between the pair.
An announcement from the WBC to WBN learn, “The WBC Board of Governors has voted in favor of the ruling to raise interim champion Mario Barrios to World champion after the WBC granted Terrence Crawford the Champion in recess standing. Crawford will compete in a last elimination bout within the tremendous welterweight division to resolve which class he’ll proceed.
“Mario Barrios, the hero of San Antonio, conquered the WBC interim championship on September 30, 2023, as he defeated Yordenis Ugas in a sensational combat. In his most up-to-date bout, he defeated Fabian Maidana by determination at Las Vegas, Nevada,” they added.
As WBN reported first on Could 31, Pacquiao desires the primary crack at Barrios in a exceptional comeback to interrupt a file he set himself in 2019. Pacquiao defeated Keith Thurman on the MGM Grand in Las Vegas to develop into the oldest welterweight champion in historical past.
5 years on, and now 45, Pacquiao will compete at a RIZIN exhibition subsequent month earlier than eyeing Barrios for an unbelievable problem within the last 2024 trimester.
Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios replace
In an unique replace on the scenario between Pacquiao and the brand new WBC welterweight ruler, Barrios coach Bob Santos knowledgeable World Boxing Information that talks have been optimistic on each side.
“I do know Pacquiao desires to combat, and I do know Barrios desires to combat,” Santos instructed World Boxing Information solely. “They simply obtained to discover a venue. It seems like a stable go coming right here [Las Vegas] within the subsequent couple of months. It’ll most likely be the early a part of fall [September or October],” he added.
Pacquiao will likely be afforded the chance because of his legendary standing within the sport regardless of dropping his final combat and being out of motion professionally for 3 years.
The Filipino famous person switched plans after failing to land a spot on the 2024 Paris Olympic Video games. The veteran had needed to affix the boxing group in an try to log out his profession with a gold medal. Sadly for the “Pac-Man,” age restrictions thwarted his efforts, and he was denied a spot.
Trying to win a last world title in a Nevada swansong is ample comfort for the eight-weight nice, who will hope to conclude negotiations within the subsequent few weeks.
The combat will doubtless happen on the MGM Grand or T-Cell Area on the Vegas Strip.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Study extra concerning the creator, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Observe on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
