Manny Pacquiao issues cutting 11 word response to Eddie Hearn 'mockery' claim over world title boxing comeback
The Pacman takes on Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title in Las Vegas on July 19
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao insists he will let his fists do the talking in his controversial comeback fight for the WBC welterweight world title next month.
Despite not having stepped into the professional ring for nearly four years, the 46-year-old takes on current champion Mario Barrios in Las Vegas on July 19, with the WBC's rules stipulating that former title holders are immediately considered as potential opponents during a voluntary defence.
The decision to hand eight-division world champion Pacquiao, who last won a bout against Keith Thurman in 2019, a world title shot has attracted its fair share of criticism in boxing circles, with many arguing that the ageing star should not have been granted a license to fight again in the first place.
One of those vocal critics is Matchroom Boxing CEO Eddie Hearn who reckons Pacquiao's comeback at the top level is making a mockery of the sport.
He said: "You can't just be out for five years, like already be done and then come back, have a couple of exhibitions, look terrible, and then phone up the WBC and say 'stick me in at number' — what's he five?
"But also, it is a business and I do understand but it just makes a little bit of a mockery of the world championships.
"And Barrios is not the greatest world champion but I think he's better than what we saw the last time out, when he boxed on the Mike Tyson card, and I think he'll beat Manny Pacquiao quite handily.
"I'm happy for Manny but it just should work out like that, and you'll see a shot legend in the ring, which I think is quite sad.
"But, listen, if he wants to do it and he's got the will to do it, good luck to him. But I just don't think you should be out five years, not fight anybody, and then just stroll back into the rankings because you're Manny Pacquiao.
"Do the fight, but it shouldn't be for the world championship, in my opinion.
"But I don't think he has a chance at all, even though Barrios has showed no great form. I think he'll just be too young and strong for him.'
The Filipino flash has now hit back at the promoter with an 11-word response as he continues his training camp for the showdown with Barrios.
Asked about Hearn's remarks, a smiling Pacquiao replied: "Just watch on July 19th. It will be a good fight."
Barrios, 30, has also warned his much older opponent that he is fully intending to get the job done in devastating style on the night.
Speaking to YSM Sports Media, the Mexican-American fighter said: "I am going in there with our game plan.
"I am going in there with bad intentions. At any point, if I see I have him hurt, it's kill or be killed in there. I see I have him hurt, I am trying to get him out of there.
"If the roles were reversed, he wouldn't take it easy on me. It's just the reality of the sport, it's kill or be killed in there."
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