LAS VEGAS — Mario Barrios is getting impatient. Make that very impatient.
The reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion, who meets Manny Pacquiao this Saturday at the MGM Grand, told the media that he is “getting tired of answering questions.”
“I am ready for war,” the 30-year-old titleholder from San Antonio, Texas, said, sounding testy over the seemingly never-ending questions relative to his scheduled 12-rounder against the 46-year-old Filipino eight-division legend.
Barrios brings into the ring a 29-2-0 win-loss-draw record with 18 knockouts and a youthful vibe and energy many believe will be enough to repulse Pacquiao’s bold comeback bid.
“I am not going in there with a knockout but I am coming with bad intentions. I have power on both hands. I won’t hesitate to pull the trigger (once I see an opening).”
The six-feet champion likewise made it clear that he is expecting the vintage Pacquiao — the Pacquiao of old who beat up biggies like Antonio Margarito and dazzled past even the crafty stylists like Shane Mosley and Tim Bradley — to show up on fight night.
“I am preparing for 12 rounds of nonstop action because I know the style that he brings when he steps into the ring, I am looking to test him in every way possible.”
Pacquiao, four years removed from his last professional fight — a 12-round decision defeat to Cuban Yordenis Ugas — refrained from issuing a forecast and instead sounding diplomatic.
“I have been a challenger many times. Same feeling. Just excited and get the belt and win the fight. Barrios is a good fighter but on Saturday night, our job is to give enjoyment to the fans and entertainment like a real fight.”
Quizzed about tactics and the things they all did during training camp, Pacquiao mentioned just three things: Timing, footwork and combinations.
Holding a 62-8-2 ledger with 39 knockouts, Pacquiao will be bidding to become the second oldest fighter to bag a world title after Bernard Hopkins, who got it done at age 51.
“These are things that I want to achieve. Break my own record at welterweight and win another world title at age 46,” Pacquiao, who set up camp in Los Angeles, said.
Asked about fears that he might be too old to vie for a world crown, Pacquiao brushed it off, saying he is fit for his age given that he was never out of shape ever.
“This is also something that I would like to prove on fight night,” he said.
Famous for pulling off surprises, Pacquiao swears he is looking forward to producing another unforgettable performance, a feat that will go down in history as one of the greatest not just in boxing but in the whole of sports.