Manny Pacquiao is gearing up for his highly anticipated world title challenge on July 19 in Las Vegas, successfully completing his first significant sparring session of four rounds with unbeaten prospect Samuel Contreras. Sean Gibbons, Pacquiao’s American point person, confirmed that the session was a success, stating, “Perfect four rounds.”
Gibbons has expressed confidence that Pacquiao will reach peak form in about 30 days, just in time to face Mario Barrios for the World Boxing Council welterweight crown at the MGM Grand. Training assistant Roger Fernandez, who is overseeing the camp, echoed the positive sentiment regarding the sparring session.
To adapt to Barrios’ height, standing at six feet, Pacquiao will soon welcome another sparring partner, Saul Bustos, along with two additional boxers to his training regimen. Gibbons is actively working on recruiting extra sparmates to further enhance Pacquiao’s preparation.
During this period of intense training, Pacquiao will take a brief respite to attend his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York, celebrating this significant milestone as the fourth Filipino to receive this honor, joining the ranks of Pancho Villa, Flash Elorde, and promoter Lope Sarreal.
At 46, Pacquiao is 16 years older than Barrios and returns to the ring after a nearly two-year hiatus following his last match against Yordenis Ugas in August 2021. Despite the time away from competitive fighting, Pacquiao believes the rest has been beneficial and reassures fans that he still has plenty of fight left in him. This bid to reclaim a title showcases his unwavering spirit and dedication to the sport.
Overall, Pacquiao’s training camp is shaping up positively, and if his recent sparring sessions are any indication, he is determined to defy the odds and prove his capabilities in the ring once again.