Training the Storm: Pacquiao's Unlikely Alliance with Raider Nation Before Mario Barrios Showdown
Manny Pacquiao, preparing to return to the boxing ring at 46 on Saturday in Las Vegas, escaped the suffocating heat Wednesday, July 16. But not as long as expected. The Filipino star did shadow boxing and ab work inside the Las Vegas' Raiders training facility. But with an unexpected breeze outside, Pacquiao did a light jog around the outdoor fields, said Marcus Padilla, the Raiders ’ Senior Director of Broadcast, who arranged the visit.
"It was awesome,’’ Padilla said. Will Carless, head of the Raiders’ communications and public relations department, also confirmed Pacquiao’s visit. The work was some of Pacquiao’s final training before his fight with Mario Barrios, which will be his first since 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision.
The visit began on Wednesday before 8 a.m. when Pacquiao arrived with an entourage of about 15 people that included his trainer, Freddie Roach. Typically, when in Las Vegas for a fight, Pacquiao runs at UNLV. “I think they're going to have to talk sense in Manny because he would run through Hades and train, and I don't know if he's as concerned about conserving his energy,’’ Padilla said before the visit.
No luck. Although the temperature reached 88 degrees by 8 a.m., Pacquiao still headed for a walk and light jog around the three outdoor fields at the Raiders’ Intermountain Health Performance Center in Henderson – about 12 miles from MGM Grand Garden Arena where Pacquiao will fight Saturday night.
Manny Pacquiao’s grasp of football
Pacquiao’s manager, Sean Gibbons, said he wasn’t sure if the legendary boxer even knows how many yards it takes to get a first down. “Manny's passion is basketball and chess,’’ Gibbons told USA TODAY Sports before Pacquiao’s visit to the Raiders’ facility.
But Gibbons said Pacquiao has developed a friendship with Camryn Bynum, a safety for the Indianapolis Colts whose mother is Filipino.
This is not the Raiders’ foray into the world of boxing. Tyson used property owned by Raiders owner Mark Davis to build a gym he used while training for his fight against Jake Paul on Nov. 15. While Tyson lost to the former YouTuber, Pacquiao, who has won world titles in eight weight divisions, is taking on a more daunting, much stiffer challenge.
He is seeking to become the first Hall of Fame boxer to win a world title. The WBC welterweight title will be on the line when he fights 30-year-old Mario Barrios, the reigning WBC champion.
Pacquiao, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June, has not held a world title since losing the WBO welterweight championship in 2017 to Jeff Horn by unanimous decision.
How did Pacquiao’s visit materialize
Padilla, who is Filipino and president of the Raiders’ Asian Pacific Islander group, said his attempt to get Pacquiao to the Raiders fell through in 2009 when the Raiders were still in Oakland.
After learning about Pacquiao’s comeback, Padilla said, he visited the boxer’s training camp in Los Angeles and set in motion the boxer’s visit to the Raiders’ training facility. Upon Pacquaio’s arrival at the facility, Padilla said, the boxer marveled at the facility and said, “Big. Amazing.’’
The Raiders also have made their facility available to soccer superstar Neymar and WWE superstar Roman Reigns, according to Padilla and Kiss.
Manny Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao is a professional boxer from the Philippines who has been one of the most successful boxers in the world. Born on December 17, 1978, in Kibawe, Lanao del Sur, Philippines, he began boxing at a young age under his father, Manuel Pacquiao.
Pacquiao turned pro in 1995 and quickly made a name for himself in the boxing world. He won several titles in different weight divisions, including the WBC flyweight title, WBA super bantamweight title, IBF junior welterweight title, WBA (Super) lightweight title, WBO welterweight title, and WBA (Super) welterweight title.
Pacquiao's greatest achievements include becoming the first boxer to win world titles in eight different weight divisions. He also holds the record for most wins in a single division with 11 consecutive victories from 2009 to 2013.
Pacquiao's career has been marked by numerous comebacks and setbacks. However, he continues to be one of the most popular and successful boxers in the world.
The WBC welterweight title will be on the line when Pacquiao fights Mario Barrios.
Mario Barrios
Mario Barrios is a professional boxer from Mexico who is currently holding the WBC welterweight title. Born on June 26, 1995, in Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas, Mexico, he began boxing at a young age under his coach, Salvador Barroso.
Barrios turned pro in 2014 and quickly made a name for himself in the boxing world. He won several titles in different weight divisions, including the IBF junior welterweight title, WBC light-welterweight title, and WBA (Interim) super-welterweight title.
Barrios' greatest achievement is becoming the first boxer from Mexico to hold two major world titles simultaneously. He also holds the record for most consecutive title defenses in the junior welterweight division with 11 victories from 2018 to 2021.
Mario Barrios is known for his aggressive fighting style and powerful punching power. He has faced several top contenders, including Ryan Bautista and Ruben Tamayo, and has emerged victorious every time.
The matchup between Pacquiao and Barrios is expected to be a competitive one. Both boxers have a strong record in their respective careers, and the winner will likely emerge as one of the top contenders in the welterweight division.
Training with the Raiders
Pacquiao's visit to the Raiders' training facility was an unexpected move that has generated significant interest among boxing fans. The Filipino boxer arrived at the facility with his entourage and began shadowboxing and doing ab work under the guidance of Coach Freddie Roach.
With the heat beating down on them, Pacquiao took a break from training and went for a light jog around the outdoor fields at the Raiders' Intermountain Health Performance Center. According to Padilla, Pacquiao's trainers had initially planned for him to run at UNLV, but he opted for a walk and jog instead.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, Pacquiao appeared focused during his training session with the Raiders. He is known for his intense work ethic and dedication to his craft, and it is clear that he has been preparing hard for this fight.
Pacquiao's decision to train with the Raiders is a testament to his willingness to adapt and try new things. The boxer has always been open to different training methods and has worked with various coaches throughout his career.
The visit also highlights the growing interest in MMA in the Philippines, where Pacquiao is widely popular among fans. With the increasing popularity of MMA and other combat sports, it will be interesting to see how Pacquiao's training regimen evolves in the future.
Raiders' involvement
The Raiders' facility has become a hub for high-profile athletes looking to train and improve their skills. The team's commitment to providing top-notch facilities and coaching staff has made them an attractive option for boxers and MMA fighters alike.
In addition to Pacquiao, the Raiders have also hosted other notable athletes, including WWE superstar Roman Reigns and soccer superstar Neymar. These high-profile visits demonstrate the Raiders' ability to provide world-class training facilities that can meet the demands of elite athletes.
The Raiders' involvement in Pacquiao's training is a win-win situation for both parties. The boxer gains access to top-notch training facilities, while the team benefits from the exposure and publicity generated by having one of boxing's biggest stars train at their facility.
In conclusion, Manny Pacquiao's visit to the Raiders' training facility has been an exciting development in his lead-up to his fight against Mario Barrios. The boxer's willingness to try new things and adapt to different training methods is a testament to his dedication and passion for his craft.
The Raiders' involvement in Pacquiao's training is also a demonstration of their commitment to providing world-class facilities and coaching staff. As the team continues to grow and develop, it will be interesting to see how they handle the challenges of hosting high-profile athletes like Pacquiao in the future.
With Pacquiao's training session complete, he can now focus on preparing for his fight against Barrios. The matchup is expected to be a competitive one, with both boxers having a strong record in their respective careers.
As the boxing world waits with bated breath for the final showdown between Pacquiao and Barrios, one thing is clear: this fight will be an event to remember.