MAN(NY) OF STEEL: Pacquiao, 46, wants shot at WBC crown

A world champion at 46 years old?

Why not?

That’s the belief of boxing’s only eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao, who told DAILY TRIBUNE on Thursday of his other great plan for 2025.

“To become a world champion once again,” Pacquiao said from his home in General Santos City with a hearty laugh that was matched by his caller.

When the laughter died down, Pacquiao sounded serious about his wish for the coming year, explaining that his latest caper — an exhibition with a gigantic last-minute substitute in Tokyo last July — was an aberration.

“My training was something that was purely for exhibition purposes,” he said.

“Of course, the training is different when you are preparing for a fight. There’s a big difference between a fight and an exhibition.”

And who’s he targeting to fight in 2025?

Mario Barrios.

He is the World Boxing Council welterweight champion. 29 years old. Holder of a 29-2-1 win-loss-draw record with 18 knockouts.

Just last month, Barrios had to pick himself up from the floor in round six to battle challenger Abel Ramos to a draw in Texas.

Pacquiao swears he could turn back the hands of time — for the nth time — and emerge victorious against Barrios.

Last time he fought professionally, Pacquiao was beaten by Cuban Yordenis Ugas in August 2021 in Las Vegas.

What makes him think that he could pull it off again?

“I am the type of fighter who doesn’t have to be told to train harder. When I train, my trainers beg me to slow down.”

And that’s exactly Pacquiao insists he will do if a deal is made for the Filipino legend to get a chance at a world title again.

Even his former conditioning coach, the Los Angeles-based Australian Justin Fortune is a believer of Pacquiao’s staying power.

“He’s a different kind of…” Fortune told ESNEWS a couple of days ago.