Mario Barrios ahead of Manny Pacquiao fight: 'It’s my time now'

Typically, when a champion goes into a title defense, the focus is on them. 

That isn't the case for WBC Welterweight champion Mario Barrios as he puts the belt at stake against the legendary Manny Pacquiao on Saturday night from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The spotlight has been centered around the return of boxing's only eight-division world champion and recent inductee of the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Pacquiao last fought 47 months ago in August 2021, coming up short against late replacement Yordenis Ugas. 

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Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) understands where the focus has gone in the buildup to Saturday night. However, once the bell rings to begin the fight, Barrios is going to remind Pacquiao that he's had his time in the sun and now it's a new time in boxing. 

"It’s my time now, and I’m going to show that come Saturday," Barrios proclaimed at Wednesday's final press conference. 

Heading into the fight, people have been envisioning Pacquiao making a grand return and flattening Barrios and capturing the WBC belt. Barrios is coming in with a point to prove and won't hesitate to attempt to put Pacquiao on his back if he sees an opportunity to do so.

“I’m going in there with bad intentions and power in both hands," Barrios said. "I won’t hesitate to pull the trigger.”

Watch Usyk versus Dubois 2 live and exclusive on DAZN PPV this Saturday - July 19 - for £24.99 UK; $59.99 US; $19.99/equivalent ROW. Buy the PPV now here.