Boxing-Pacquiao ready to spring surprise as he targets Barrios belt in comeback fight

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Boxing - Antony Joshua v Francis Ngannou - Weigh-in - BLVD World, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - March 7, 2024 Manny Pacquiao poses ahead of the weigh-in Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge/File Photo

REUTERS

Former world champion Manny Pacquiao is embracing his underdog status as he gets ready to turn back the clock when he steps out of retirement to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in their Saturday showdown at the MGM Grand.

The 46-year-old Filipino feels rejuvenated after four years away from the ring and said he was returning for another opportunity to make history.

Im enjoying training camp as much as I did when I was 26 or 29 years old. The motivation to train hard and the discipline are the same, Pacquiao said at Wednesdays press conference.

I mean, its because Ive been away from boxing why Im still interested and passionate about fighting.

The veteran fighter retired from boxing in 2021. He had a stint in the Philippine Senate from 2016 to 2022 and an unsuccessful 2022 presidential bid.

His remarkable record includes championships in eight weight divisions, a first in boxing history, and he was the oldest welterweight world champion at age 40 in 2019.

I cannot imagine that I am still fighting here in the Grand Arena after 24 years. Its a blessing, a favour from God, and Im so thankful to be here, still fighting and putting on a good show for the fans, he said.

The Filipino is