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At 46 years of age and after four years out of the ring, Manny Pacquiao will make his official return to professional boxing. The Filipino will face interim WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in a bid to add another belt to his legendary career. The fight has generated mixed opinions, but for Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain, the scales are clearly tipped.
The iconic Mexican trainer, Hall of Famer and forger of multiple world champions, was blunt in his analysis: Pacquiao will not only win, he will do so emphatically. In Beristain's words, Barrios is not at the level of the Filipino, and his youth will not be enough against the quality and experience of the Asian multi-champion.
"Pacquiao is going to break his...": Nacho's verdict
During an interview with El Clinch, Nacho Beristain did not mince words. For him, the fight has a clear favorite and it is not the current monarch: "There is no doubt that he is going to beat that fighter, because he is worse than hell. If he wins, for boxing it will be better because Pacquiao is Pacquiao," he said harshly.
The strategist also emphasized the symbolic value of Manny's return to the ring, stating that his presence revives global interest in boxing: "There will be no other Pacquiao, just as there will be no other Juan Manuel Marquez for a long time, that fighter is different. Boxing is waiting again for the name of Pacquiao to sound again," he added with iration.
A return that could enlarge a legend
Beyond the spectacle and expectation, the fight will mark a key moment for Pacquiao's legacy. Already established as the only eight-division champion, the Filipino has little to prove... but much to gain if he can overcome Barrios. If he can maintain his level, the comeback would be historic.
On the other hand, Mario Barrios arrives as champion and 16 years younger, but that is not enough for Beristain. "I respect Pacquiao's career a lot, a lot," said the trainer, recognizing not only his quality, but his global influence as a figure who, even in retirement, "is still the most money-making fighter Filipino boxing has ever had".