Pacquiao, Barrios make weights for Vegas showdown

TGB Promotions President Tom Brown, center, looks on as Manny Pacquiao, left, and WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios pose during a ceremonial weigh-in at MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 18, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Getty Images via AFP)
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Updated 19 July 2025
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Pacquiao, Barrios make weights for Vegas showdown

  • Filipino star and eight-division world champion is returning to the ring after a four-year absence
  • Mario Barrios says he is unfazed by the prospect of taking on living legend Pacquiao

LOS ANGELES, United States: Filipino star Manny Pacquiao comfortably made the weight for his comeback world title fight against Mario Barrios on Friday, tipping the scales at just under the 147-pound welterweight limit.

The 46-year-old eight-division world champion – who is returning to the ring after a four-year absence – weighed in at 146.8 lbs during a packed ceremony at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Pacquiao’s opponent in Saturday’s fight, reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Barrios, was also inside the weight limit at 146.2 lbs.

“I’m so happy I’m back because boxing is my passion and I missed boxing,” Pacquiao said after making the weight.

The Filipino star – whose last victory came against Keith Thurman in 2019 – is aiming to pull off an upset victory in Saturday’s bout.

Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 knockouts) announced his return to boxing in May, taking advantage of a WBC rule that allows former champions to request a direct title shot when coming out of retirement.

He will be facing the much younger Barrios, who will take a 29-2-1 record in Saturday’s contest.

Barrios, 30, said he was unfazed by the prospect of taking on living legend Pacquiao, who could become the first fighter to win a major world title after being inducted to boxing’s Hall of Fame.

“I’m approaching this the same way I have all my other fights – I treat it as just another title defense,” Barrios said. “Manny has accomplished so much, but it’s my time now.”


Thailand and Poland crowned globe’s best at FIFAe World Cup

Updated 15 December 2025
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Thailand and Poland crowned globe’s best at FIFAe World Cup

  • Thailand crowned champion of eFootball Mobile, and Poland of Console title
  • FIFAe Finals 2025 to conclude with FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League from Dec. 15-19

RIYADH: The FIFAe World Cup united the globe’s top nations in Riyadh at the weekend with Thailand and Poland crowned champions on mobile and console respectively.

The two competitions launched the FIFAe Finals 25, the leading event of football esports running until Dec. 19.

Represented by Jomkata “JXMKT” Yupraphat, Thailand defeated Jose Antonio “JUNINHO” Maciel junior in a captivating final to secure the crown as the world’s best on mobile.

Poland, featuring Milosz “Zilo” Zietek and Mikolaj “Ostrybuch” Zietek, lifted the trophy on console.

With over 16.5 million players taking part globally this season, the stage is set to introduce the next generation of esports talent. The journey continues in February when the FIFAe Challenger Series kicks off in-game in eFootball, marking the first step to the FIFAe World Cup 2026.

The current FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League takes place from Dec. 15 to 19.