Overview

• Barrios insists he respects Pacquiao’s achievements but will treat him as “just another man” when they meet at the MGM Grand Barrios candidly acknowledges that Pacquiao’s age and four-year inactivity could affect his performance without planning to exploit ring rust
• Conor Benn voiced optimism about a Pacquiao victory while Amir Tyson expressed doubts, reflecting a split in boxing insiders’ expectations
• Pacquiao has indicated he expects two or three more fights and aims to finish his career as the oldest world champion
• Critics have questioned the WBC’s decision to fast-track Pacquiao into the top five via its ‘Champion Emeritus’ clause for a guaranteed title shot