Manny Pacquiao will return to the ring against Mario Barrios on July 19th at the age of 46.
Manny Pacquiao is preparing for his toughest fight yet as he faces not just a formidable foe in Mario Barrios, but a potentially unbeatable opponent in Father Time, who will eventually win against all.
Pacquiao is 46 years old, but is adamant he has what it takes to spring the upset and become, once again, the oldest welterweight world champion.
Ahead of his fight, TMZ spoke to Pacquiao on who may play him in a movie on his life. His answer was quite unexpected.
Manny Pacquiao wants Mark Wahlberg to play him in a biopic
Pacquiao, who scored a 64-second KO once, was asked by TMZ if he’s ever given any thought to who may play him in a movie covering his life and career.
Pacquiao’s response was surprising, as he said, “Mark Wahlberg. Mark Wahlberg, he always watches my training camps in Wild Card, he knows my, all my life stories.”
“Mark Wahlberg’s my friend. He’s a nice guy.”
Pac Man was then asked again who would play him, potentially indicating that the Filipino fighter instead meant Wahlberg would direct or produce the biopic rather than star in it.
Pacquiao, who knocked down Chris Algieri six times, then stated his son could play him, “My son junior, yeah. He can [pull it off] because he’s an actor in the Philippines.”
Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios have two common opponents
Pacquiao began his career months before Barrios was born, meaning his comeback will see a fight between youth and experience.
The pair actually have two common opponents, though have fared far differently against them.
Below is each common opponent, how the two fared, and the opponent’s record at the time.
| Manny Pacquiao | Mario Barrios | |
| Yordenis Ugas | 2021 – LOSS – UD – 26-4 | 2023 – WIN – UD – 27-5 |
| Keith Thurman | 2019 – WIN – SD – 29-0 | 2022 – LOSS – UD – 29-1 |