BREAKING: Joe Rogan DEMANDS Mario Barrios to PULL OUT of Manny Pacquiao Fight
The boxing world was set ablaze on June 10, 2025, when UFC commentator and podcast titan Joe Rogan unleashed a fiery demand on his show, The Joe Rogan Experience, urging WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios to withdraw from his scheduled July 19, 2025, title defense against boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. Rogan’s explosive outburst, “Mario, pull out of this fight — it’s a disgrace!”, has sent shockwaves through the sport, igniting fierce debates among fans, fighters, and promoters about the controversial matchup set for the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Rogan’s Heated Callout
Rogan, known for his unfiltered takes on combat sports, didn’t hold back during his latest podcast episode. Addressing Barrios directly, he slammed the decision to pit the 30-year-old champion against a 46-year-old Pacquiao, who is returning after a nearly four-year hiatus. “This fight is a circus,” Rogan fumed. “Manny’s a legend, but he’s 46, man! Mario, you’re in your prime, defending a world title. Pull out and fight someone who’s actually active. This isn’t fair to the sport or the fans.” Rogan’s comments come amid growing criticism of the bout, with many labeling it a mismatch due to Pacquiao’s age and time away from the ring.
Pacquiao, the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, last fought in August 2021, losing a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas. Since then, he’s focused on his political career in the Philippines, including a failed presidential bid. His return to face Barrios, confirmed on May 21, 2025, has divided fans, with some excited to see the “PacMan” back in action and others, like Rogan, calling it a risky and unnecessary comeback.
Why Rogan’s Taking a Stand
Rogan’s demand stems from concerns about Pacquiao’s health and the integrity of the sport. He pointed to Pacquiao’s declining performance in his later years, citing CompuBox stats that show the Filipino icon threw and landed fewer punches per round after turning 40. “Manny was a freak, one of the greatest ever, but Father Time doesn’t lose,” Rogan said. “He’s coming off a four-year break, facing a 6-foot-tall champ with knockout power. This could get ugly, and Mario doesn’t need to be the guy who hurts a legend.”
Barrios, who won the WBC welterweight title after Terence Crawford vacated it in June 2024, is coming off a split draw against Abel Ramos in November 2024 on the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson undercard. Despite his 29-2-1 record, Barrios has faced criticism for taking on a faded Pacquiao instead of younger contenders like Jaron “Boots” Ennis or Errol Spence Jr. Rogan echoed fan sentiments on X, where one user wrote, “Barrios vs. Pacquiao is a joke. Joe’s right — Mario should fight someone relevant.”
The Boxing World Reacts
Rogan’s comments have sparked a firestorm. On X, fans are split. One post read, “Joe’s spitting facts. Pacquiao’s too old, and Barrios is ducking real challenges. #CancelTheFight.” Another defended the matchup: “Manny’s earned this shot. If he wants to make history at 46, let him try. Rogan’s out of line.” Promoters, however, are doubling down. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, who controversially reinstated Pacquiao at No. 5 in the rankings, called the fight “tremendous” and defended its sanctioning, citing Pacquiao’s clearance by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Amir Khan, a former Pacquiao sparring partner, expressed mixed feelings to Sky Sports. “Mario’s got a big chance, but I worry for Manny. He’s a legend, but 46 is no joke in this sport,” Khan said. Meanwhile, Roy Jones Jr. backed Pacquiao, telling Seconds Out, “Manny at 46 going 12 rounds is already beating most people. I’m rooting for him.”
Barrios and Pacquiao Respond
Barrios, speaking at a June 7, 2025, press conference, brushed off Rogan’s demand. “I respect Joe, but this is my moment,” Barrios said. “Fighting Pacquiao is an honor, and I’m not pulling out. I’m ready to defend my title.” The San Antonio native, who stands at 6 feet tall with an 18-knockout record, sees the fight as a career-defining opportunity, despite the “lose-lose” narrative that a win over an aging Pacquiao might not boost his legacy.
Pacquiao, training with Freddie Roach for his comeback, remained defiant. “I’m back because I love boxing,” he posted on Instagram. “Joe Rogan can say what he wants, but I’m pushing my limits for this fight. Let’s make history.” Pacquiao aims to break his own record as the oldest welterweight champion, set at 40 when he defeated Keith Thurman in 2019.
A Fight Under Fire
The Pacquiao-Barrios bout, set for PBC pay-per-view on Prime Video, is drawing massive attention, but Rogan’s outburst has cast a shadow. Critics argue the fight risks tarnishing Pacquiao’s legacy, while supporters see it as a chance for the Hall of Famer, inducted on June 8, 2025, to defy the odds. With Rogan’s call for Barrios to pull out echoing across the sport, the pressure is on both fighters to prove their worth on July 19.
Will Barrios heed Rogan’s demand, or will Pacquiao silence the doubters? The countdown to fight night is on, and the boxing world is watching. For updates, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com or follow the debate on X.
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