Pacquiao makes Canelo feelings clear... again
Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao is preparing his return to the ring to face Mario Barrios, and he took the opportunity to speak about Álvarez.
Despite the criticism he’s faced in recent years – including following his most recent fight against Cuban boxer William Scull – Canelo Álvarez continues to receive praise from some of boxing’s biggest legends. The latest to join the chorus is Manny Pacquiao, who is preparing for a comeback bout against Mexican-American fighter Mario Barrios.
Manny Pacquiao, leyenda del boxeo y exsenador filipino, saldrá del retiro a sus 46 años para enfrentar a Mario Barrios por el título wélter del CMB el 19 de julio en Las Vegas. “Estoy de vuelta”, anunció el campeón en ocho divisiones. pic.twitter.com/whqk8eUt6Z
— OSCAR MARIO BETETA (@MarioBeteta) May 21, 2025
It took just three words to sum up Pacquiao’s view of Álvarez. Speaking to ES News, the 46-year-old Filipino called the Mexican “a role model,” before offering his thoughts on Álvarez’s upcoming fight against American welterweight champion Terence Crawford.
Pacquiao touched down in Los Angeles a few hours ago to continue training for the July 19 fight, which will take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The bout will be for the WBC interim welterweight title, currently held by Barrios.
He also had some advice for Álvarez and applauded the decision to face Crawford, saying he believes “it’s a good fight for Canelo.” According to Pacquiao, the key for the Mexican champion will be to focus on “speed, style, and also strength.”
The friendship between Pacquiao and Álvarez dates back several years. In 2021, Pacquiao’s son, Emmanuel Pacquiao Jr., trained with Álvarez and his coach, Eddy Reynoso.
Pacquiao returns to the ring
The Filipino used Instagram to confirm his return to the sport: “I’m back. On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Let’s make history.”
Pacquiao hasn’t fought professionally since August 2021, when he lost to Cuban Yordenis Ugás. He went on to pursue a political career in the Philippine Senate, but after losing his bid for a second term, he has chosen to step back into the ring.
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