LOS ANGELES – June 3, 2025 – Hall of Fame boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios squared off for the second time at a press conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday, following a Las Vegas press conference on Saturday, all to preview their main event showdown taking place Saturday, July 19 headlining a star-studded PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The events in Los Angeles and Las Vegas also featured WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Australian superstar Tim Tszyu, who will rematch in the co-main event after engaging in 2024’s bloodiest fight.

The Los Angeles press conference also included Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and his hard-hitting countryman Angel Fierro, who meet for a second time after their action packed February clash, plus former two-division world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and top contender Joet Gonzalez, who kick off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Pre-sale tickets are available NOW until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com with the code: PBC

Public on-sale begins TOMORROW, Wednesday, June 4 at 10 a.m. PT through AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say from events Tuesday at The Novo at L.A. Live and Saturday from House of Blues Las Vegas:

MANNY PACQUIAO

“The fire, determination and eagerness to work hard is still there. I’m still enjoying running the mountains. Not every fighter has this feeling. This is a blessing, because I’ve been through so many big fights in my career and I’m still here. I’m back.

“To the boxing fans all over the world, thank you for accepting me again. I hope that on July 19 this fight will entertain everyone. Everyone here is going to work hard in their training camp so that the fans are happy on July 19.

“Barrios is the kind of fighter who gives people good fights. Me and him together in the ring will satisfy the fans and that’s what I want.

“It would mean a lot for me to become world champion again. Manny Pacquiao is always giving surprises to the fans. That’s my passion and it’s really important to me. I want everyone to be happy with this fight.

“My goal is to leave a legacy to the boxing fans. I want to inspire the young generation who are dreaming of becoming a champion.

“July 19 is gonna be a lot of action. There’s a lot of great fights on this card. I know what Barrios is capable of and I know that we can entertain the fans.

“I’ve been able to rest my body and it’s been good for me. Now I’m back and I’m excited to give the fans a great fight. I know that Barrios is training hard to defend his belt. I’m the challenger, so I know I have to go the extra mile and punish myself in training to win the fight. That’s the goal.

“I’ve been boxing for many years, and even the years I wasn’t boxing, I was still thinking about boxing. I even have a boxing gym in my house and was always working out. I really missed boxing.”

MARIO BARRIOS

“I’m here, I’m ready and I’m the champion for a reason. This is a huge fight that could be Fight of the Year. I can’t wait.

“All the other big fights I’ve had have prepared me for a moment like this. I’m defending my title against a legend and I couldn’t be more honored.

“Facing Manny is something I never pictured unfolding, and now it’s here on one of the biggest cards of the year. July 19 is gonna be a night of boxing that you don’t wanna miss.

“It’s a great honor for a legend like Manny to want to come back and fight for my title. This is my biggest fight so far and I’m excited to take it on.

“Come July 19 I’ll be facing a legend across from me. I have nothing but respect for him outside of the ring. But inside the ring, he’s just another man who’s trying to take what’s mine. I’m the champion for a reason and I’m gonna show that.

“I think I can take a lot that I learned from the Gervonta Davis fight into this one. The way he closes distance and works off his speed, and even the size, are all similar. All of my big fights have really prepared me for this moment. 

“I’ve been seeing people face off with Manny at press conferences like this since I was a kid. He’s not very serious, except when he’s in the ring. I know he’s gonna bring it when we get in the ring.”

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA

“I don’t think this fight goes the distance. I’ve been training hard and growing since the first fight. Last year was a great year, but this year is gonna be even better.

“Tim Tszyu is a great fighter and I’m happy to share another 12 rounds with him. I think that I beat him pretty fair last time, and I just have to do it again.

“I always fight aggressive fighters like Tim. This is just more experience for me against that type of fighter.

“We can always improve off our past performances. Nobody fights a perfect fight. We’re going to make some changes that you’re gonna see on fight night.

“I’m very happy to be back against an incredible opponent. Last time we put on a great show, and I’m pretty sure we’re gonna do it again. I’m just ready to show everyone why I’m the best 154-pounder in the world.

“I just have to stick to my game plan. Me and my father had a plan for the first fight, and we’ll have a plan for this one. It’s just about who has a better team, that’s who wins the fight. And I’m sure my team is better.

“I’m continuing to grow and all the stars are lining up for me. We’re growing into our full man strength and fighting on these huge stages. Each step is a mile long, but if I just listen to what my dad says, I’ll be ready.

“I hope Tim’s fully recovered from the cut. I’m hoping it’s a hell of a fight.”

TIM TSZYU

“This is the most important fight for me. It gives me this burning fire. It’s the first rematch of my career and I’m excited to rewrite my mistake.

“It was one hell of a fight the first time. I love to test myself in the heart and prove to myself that I can go forward no matter what. It was a fun fight the first time and could be another Fight of the Year.

“Just over a year ago me and Fundora produced a classic. It was a fight that will be remembered by a lot of people for a very long time. This fight is round 13. It’s a new chapter and a new beginning. Even though things didn’t go my way, I intend to get back to where I started.

“Fundora is a hell of a fighter and the current king of 154. But it’s my turn to reclaim the throne. We’re gonna give the fans a really great treat.

“Me and Fundora, we both like to press and we both bring the action. Fighting against Fundora can’t be technical. You can’t really stay on your distance and take your time with him because he’s so tall. You have to make it a fight and bring the action. Anyone who fights him is in for a hard night at the office.

“I remember feeling him and his shots and sort of figuring him out early in our first fight. The hardest part was that I lost my focus from rounds three to round 10. I wasn’t in the same mindset that I was in the first two rounds. I adapted at the end of the fight, but it was a bit too late. I know what needs to be done this time.

“I want that belt and I want that title. But it’s not only about the belt, it’s about the story and the redemption. We had a hard fight and it’s something that I need to get back. It’s one of those things that I need to rewrite.

“This card is gonna deliver, because we have four tremendous fights and we’re all gonna bring it on July 19.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“We’re going to put on a show once again. Come out to see me once again get the victory. I can’t wait to see everyone in Las Vegas.

“I’m not worried about what he said. He says I don’t have a chin, but I still beat him. We’re gonna see on July 19.

“It’s not even worth replying to what Angel is saying right now. I’m gonna respond with my fists when that bell rings.

“I’m gonna win. There’s nothing more to say. Get ready, because I’m leaving that ring with another victory.

“He’s just one more in a long line of talkers who like to talk outside of the ring. I like to do my talking inside of the ring.”

ANGEL FIERRO

“I’m here to remove the bitter taste from my mouth from the first fight with Cruz. It’s gonna be a great fight and I can’t wait.

“I figured Isaac Cruz out in our first fight, and now he’s gonna have to figure me out. Isaac doesn’t have the chin that people say he has. So let’s see if he can figure out what to do in the rematch.

“We’re here because he didn’t win so convincingly. We’ll see what happens next. Everyone will see on July 19.

“In the third round of our last fight, I showed that I can rock him. No matter what he says, that happened. I said that I was gonna brawl the first time and it’s gonna be the same thing again. I’m gonna brawl my way to winning the fight, no matter what.

“I’m coming to give it my all. It’s win or go home. 100%. I don’t think about anything else other than winning.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“I have a new trainer in Manny Robles and we’ve been working together the last four weeks. I feel incredible. I’ve been working very hard and I’m proud to be in this position.

“If you asked me when I started my career if I ever saw myself fighting on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao, I’d say you’re crazy. But this was destiny and I’m happy to be on this card with all these other hungry fighters.

“I’m really motivated knowing that I’ll be followed by all these great fighters. I know Joet Gonzalez comes ready, so we’re gonna give fans a great show and let everyone know that this card is stacked.

“I’m always down for a fight. Styles make fights and this opener is gonna be amazing. I just can’t wait to get in there.

“I’m coming with everything. I feel like I owe it to the boxing fans after my last performance. This time I’m giving everything I’ve got.

“I’m learning every day from Manny Robles. We’re just getting started and finding a groove. I come to work. I know he’ll have me ready in mind, body and spirit to get this win on July 19.”

JOET GONZALEZ

“I’m very excited for this fight. It’s a blessing. It’s always been a goal of mine to be on a stage like this. I always train hard and I’m gonna come with everything to get that win on July 19. I’ll be ready.

“I’m looking to make a big statement. I’m coming to get his win. It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m planning to make the most of it.

“The whole world will be tuned in and I’m training really hard to get the win. I’m gonna leave it all on the line.

“I’m gonna get the victory by any means necessary. I train hard for every fight, and I’m coming to win.

“From top to bottom, every fighter up here has the potential to steal the show. That’s what I’m planning to do.”

#         #         #

For more information visit Amazon.com/PBC, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #PacquiaoBarrios, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

LAS VEGAS – June 3, 2025 – First ballot International Boxing Hall of Famer Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao will look to add another memorable highlight to his legendary career and become a world champion once again when he challenges the hard-hitting WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios on Saturday, July 19 headlining a star-studded PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The co-main event will see a rematch of 2024’s bloodiest fight as reigning WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora faces Australian superstar and former world champion Tim Tszyu. Fundora and Tszyu combined for an unforgettable night in March 2024 as Tszyu fought through one of the most gruesome cuts in recent memory before eventually losing to Fundora by a narrow split-decision.

The stacked lineup features another sensational rematch as Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz battles the hard-hitting Angel Fierro in a 12-round super lightweight fight that follows their action packed first showdown. Plus, former two-division world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa steps in against top contender Joet Gonzalez for 10-rounds of featherweight action that opens the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Pre-sale tickets are available NOW until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com with the code: PBC

Public on-sale begins TOMORROW, Wednesday, June 4 at 10 a.m. PT through AXS.com.

In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.

**MANNY PACQUIAO VS. MARIO BARRIOS**

Despite a 17-year age gap between these two fighters, both are unified in their desire to deliver toe-to-toe action for boxing fans as the fighting pride of the Philippines Manny Pacquiao duels WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario Barrios in the 12-round main event.

Already owning a career that’s seen him earn more accolades than can be listed in print, Pacquiao can etch his name into another chapter of the history books by going straight from his Hall of Fame induction in June to a world championship-winning performance on July 19. In an era that’s seen superstars in their 40’s such as Tom Brady and LeBron James continue to excel at the highest levels, Pacquiao can break his own record as the oldest welterweight world champion in history with a win over Barrios, after originally setting the mark at 40-years-old in his 2019 triumph over Keith Thurman.

The Filipino legend will have a tall task in front of him to achieve this feat, as the six-foot Barrios will bring a nearly seven-inch height advantage into his second defense of the WBC title. A two-division world champion, Barrios represents his Aztec heritage every time he enters the ring with an all-action style that’s delivered numerous electric clashes and which should combine with the always hard-charging Pacquiao for explosive action. Looking for a signature victory to separate himself from the other titleholders in boxing’s historic glamour division, Barrios will no doubt be keen to upend Pacquiao’s coronation when they square off on July 19.

A three-time Fighter of the Year and the one-time Boxing Writers Association of America’s Fighter of the Decade, Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs), who hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines, is the only sitting Congressman and Senator to win a world title. After serving two terms as Congressman, Pacquiao was elected to a Philippine Senate seat in May 2016. Pacquiao’s boxing resume features victories over eight current Hall of Famers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, Tim Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez.

Pacquiao’s most recent run in the 147-pound division saw him dispatch of former four-division world champion Adrien Broner in January 2019, before defeating the then-undefeated and reigning WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman in July of that same year. Pacquiao’s triumph over Thurman saw him send Thurman to the canvas in round one, the first time Thurman had been down in his career, on his way to edging out a decision in a 2019 Fight of the Year contender. Pacquiao would come up short in his next contest, dropping a decision to late-replacement Yordenis Ugas, who stepped in on short notice to replace an injured Errol Spence Jr. in August 2021.

“Boxing is my passion and I’m so excited to be back in the ring,” said Pacquiao. “MGM Grand is like my second home in my career and it’s a place where I’ve had so many memorable fights, including my U.S. debut. The first title I ever won was a WBC title, and now I am back to fight for the WBC title once again. Mario Barrios is exactly the type of champion I like to fight, because he’s a real Mexican warrior like Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez. Come July 19, it’s going to be an amazing night for the fans.”

The 29-year-old Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) stamped his place among the welterweight elite in September 2023 as he dropped former champion Yordenis Ugas twice to capture the interim belt by unanimous decision. Barrios followed that up by sending Fabian Maidana to the canvas as well on his way to another dominant decision victory, and was elevated to WBC Welterweight World Champion following the bout. His first defense of the title featured Barrios going toe-to-toe with Abel Ramos in one of 2024’s best fights in action that saw both men score knockdowns and that ultimately ended in a split-draw and Barrios retaining the belt.

Before his run at 147-pounds, Barrios was a world champion at 140-pounds, edging out Batyr Akhmedov in September 2019 with a clutch 12^th-round knockdown that sealed his victory on the scorecards. Throughout his career, Barrios’ only two defeats have come against two of the era’s best fighters in five-time, three-division champion Gervonta Davis and former unified welterweight world champion Keith Thurman. Representing his native San Antonio, Texas, Barrios trains in Las Vegas with top trainer Bob Santos.

“Sharing the ring with a legend like Manny Pacquiao is an honor, but once the bell rings, it’s all business,” said Barrios. “I respect everything he’s done in the sport, but on July 19, I’m defending what’s mine. This isn’t just another fight — it’s a legacy fight not just for me but for all the Mexican fans as well. Beating Pacquiao puts my name in a different conversation. Pacquiao is a Hall of Famer for a reason. He’s fast, explosive, and dangerous at all times. But I’m younger, I’m hungrier, and I’m the champion for a reason. I’m coming in with everything I’ve got. Fighting in Vegas is always special, but this event is a truly massive stage and I’m ready to show out for the world.”

**SEBASTIAN FUNDORA VS. TIM TSZYU II**

Two of the top fighters in the stacked 154-pound division, WBC Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Australian superstar Tim Tszyu will meet in a 12-round rematch after their first fight saw Tszyu suffer a grisly cut in round three from an inadvertent Fundora elbow. The then WBO 154-pound champion Tszyu chose to fight on instead of bow out due to the cut, eventually losing his title, along with the then-vacant WBC belt, to Fundora by a close decision. On July 19, these two rivals look to settle the score and establish who is number one at 154-pounds.

Fundora (22-1-1, 14 KOs) rocketed to the top of the super welterweight division with that victory over Tszyu, and most recently made a successful title defense in March by knocking out top contender Chordale Booker in round four on Prime Video. A native of Coachella, California, Fundora notably showed his mettle in April 2022, battling the hard-hitting Erickson Lubin in an instant 2022 Fight of the Year contender. Despite both men hitting the canvas, Fundora stood tall in the end, prompting Lubin’s corner to stop the fight at the end of the ninth round. The 27-year-old has defeated a slew of contenders throughout his career, with his only defeat coming to Brian Mendoza in 2023. Fundora represents one of boxing’s most accomplished families, as he is trained by his father Freddy alongside his younger sister, undisputed flyweight world champion Gabriela. The two fighting Fundora’s are the first brother and sister to simultaneously hold world championships.

“I’m more than happy to honor Tim’s rematch clause,” said Fundora. “I expect Tim to be in optimum condition. Fans should expect nothing but a very entertaining violent display.”

After 2024 saw Tszyu (25-2, 18 KOs) lose a second-straight bout to IBF 154-pound champion Bakhram Murtazaliev following the Fundora fight, the 30-year-old recently returned to action in April by stopping young contender Joey Spencer in round four in Australia. Tszyu came into the first Fundora fight off a red-hot 2023 campaign that saw him elevated to world champion at 154-pounds while defeating former world champion Tony Harrison, top contender Brian Mendoza and former title challenger Carlos Ocampo. A native of Sydney, Australia, Tszyu made his U.S debut against U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in March 2022, earning a unanimous decision. Tszyu grew up playing soccer, but soon gravitated toward boxing. The decision led to him following in the legendary footsteps of his father, Kostya, who was an undisputed 140-pound champion.

“You live for these moments in boxing,” said Tszyu. “I’m blessed to be going through it again — to rewrite the chapter. Even with the bad memories and demons from the first fight, this is what growth means as a human being. I can go through hell and come back on top. This time I’ve got a full 12-week camp focused on Fundora — not a few days’ notice — and I’m bringing that intensity. I’ve got a little place set aside for that green belt. I’m ready to go get it.”

**ISAAC CRUZ VS. ANGEL FIERRO II**

In another greatly anticipated rematch, hard-charging Mexican fan-favorite Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will step in once again against his power-punching countryman Isaac Fierro as they meet in a 12-round super lightweight rematch. In their first matchup, Cruz and Fierro fought nip-and-tuck over 10 high-octane rounds that saw them combine to throw over 1400 punches, with Cruz taking home the decision. While Cruz out landed Fierro 142 to 113 over the first five rounds, Fierro was stronger in the second half, landing 132 shots to Cruz’s 106.

Buoyed on by his passionate fan base, Cruz (27-3-1, 18 KOs) became a world champion in March 2024 as he hurt Rolly Romero badly in round one before eventually ending the fight in round eight via TKO to claim the WBA title. Most recently, Cruz bounced back from a loss to Jose Valenzuela by out-slugging countryman Fierro in that decision triumph in February. A native of Mexico City, Cruz shot up the rankings in 2020, announcing his presence with an electrifying first-round knockout over veteran Diego Magdaleno in October before adding dominant decisions over Francisco Vargas and Jose Matias Romero. This rise led to the 26-year-old challenging undefeated superstar Gervonta Davis in December 2021, a fight that saw Cruz lose by decision to become just the second fighter at the time to see the final bell against Davis. Trained by his father Isaac Cruz Sr., Cruz also owns stoppage wins over former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa and veteran contender Eduardo Ramirez, in addition to a 12-round decision over the then-unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera.

“I’m looking forward to fighting Angel Fierro again,” said Cruz. “I know that I won the first fight, but I feel that I can do even better this time around. This is going to be more of the Mexican style boxing that fans want to see. I fight for the fans and I can’t wait to give them more action on July 19.”

Originally from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, Fierro (22-3-2, 17 KOs) now fights out of San Diego and has made a name for himself with his aggressive style and power punching prowess. The 26-year-old has fought professionally since 2015 and was undefeated in his first 17 outings. He announced his presence as a world contender in 2021 with a career-best victory as he rose from the canvas to stop former world champion Alberto Machado in round six. Prior to the Cruz fight, Fierro had a three-fight winning streak snapped when he lost a June decision against Alfredo Santiago, with the only other loss of Fierro’s career coming via split-decision in January 2020 against Alex Martin. The February 1 fight against Cruz marked Fierro’s third career fight stateside, and his first since a majority draw against Juan Carlos Burgos in March 2022.

“It is an honor to be fighting at MGM Grand where my idol Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. had so many fights,” said Fierro. “I will honor him by again showing real Mexican style boxing for the world. I feel that I beat ‘Pitbull’ in the first fight and I’m gonna prove it the second time around. I’m coming to win!”

**BRANDON FIGUEROA VS. JOET GONZALEZ**

One of the sport’s premier action fighters, former two-division champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa will return to action against top contender Joet Gonzalez in a 10-round featherweight attraction that will see the winner vaulted back into the world title picture.

The 28-year-old Figueroa (25-2-1, 19 KOs) will look to bounce back after losing his 126-pound title by decision in his February rematch against Stephen Fulton Jr. Figueroa had been elevated to WBC Featherweight World Champion before the fight, after Rey Vargas was declared champion in recess. Figueroa won the Interim WBC Featherweight Title in a 2023 Fight of the Year contender that saw him score a unanimous decision over former champion Mark Magsayo. He returned last May to successfully defend his interim title with a ninth-round knockout of former champion Jessie Magdaleno, increasing his winning streak at the time to three straight. A native of Weslaco, Texas, Figueroa’s relentless pressure and youthful enthusiasm helped him become the first person to defeat former two-division champion Luis Nery in their May 2021 championship clash, as he stopped Nery with a body shot in round seven. Figueroa added to his family’s legacy by capturing the WBC 122-pound world title against Nery, joining his brother Omar Figueroa Jr., who previously held the WBC Lightweight World Championship.

“I’m training in L.A. now with Manny Robles and everything has been going great,” said Figueroa. “I expect a great fight and that I won’t have to look for him to make an exciting fight for the fans. So expect an all-action throwdown. I feel like I owe it to my fans after my last performance. I just want to be more active this year and give the fans more of ‘The Heartbreaker’.”

Fighting out of Los Angeles, Gonzalez (27-4, 15 KOs) returns to the ring after earning a crucial victory over fellow contender Arnold Khegai in March. The 31-year-old turned pro in 2012 with 23 straight victories, earning a world title shot against Shakur Stevenson in 2019 that he would ultimately drop by decision. Gonzalez would go on to challenge for featherweight world titles two more times, losing decisions to Emanuel Navarrete in October 2021 and Luis Alberto Lopez in September 2023. Gonzalez was a sensational and accomplished amateur fighter, with his resume including two victories over Gervonta Davis.

“This is a new opportunity for me and I plan to put on a great fight against a very tough opponent in Brandon Figueroa,” said Gonzalez. “I’m training very hard like I always do and the fans are going to get an exciting fight and a memorable show. We’re both warriors showing up to win that night, so expect fireworks.”