World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios has pledged not to show any mercy to Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao in their highly anticipated match set for July 20, 2025 (Philippine time).
Barrios dismissed any possibility of holding back, referencing the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson bout, which he claimed showed pity from the younger fighter toward the veteran Tyson.
Instead of compassion, Barrios said he plans to unleash the full power of his punches on Pacquiao.
He added that if the roles were reversed, he believes Pacquiao would not hesitate to show him the same intensity in the ring.
Barrios emphasized that boxing is not a sport for mercy and that he is prepared to defend his title regardless of his opponent’s legacy.
At 46 years old, Pacquiao enters the ring with unmatched experience, but Barrios, aged 30, carries physical advantages, including greater height and reach.
Despite Pacquiao’s eight-division world championship resume, Barrios remains confident that his youth and physical edge will play a decisive role in their showdown.
The bout will be held this July and is expected to draw global attention as the Filipino icon returns to the ring.