Jo Koy rallies Filipino pride at Pacquiao vs Barrios weigh-in ahead of WBC title bout
Photos by Elton Lugay and Robert Gamo
LAS VEGAS — Filipino American comedian Jo Koy energized the crowd at the official weigh-in for Manny Pacquiao’s highly anticipated comeback fight against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on Friday, as thousands of fans packed the MGM Grand Garden Arena ahead of Saturday’s pay-per-view showdown.
Taking the stage as a special guest, the Netflix star and global touring headliner shared the excitement in the room, praising Pacquiao’s return to the ring and his lasting impact on the Filipino community.
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“This is gonna be the fight right here this weekend — it’s fully stacked. But the GOAT is back,” said Jo Koy during the event hosted by Premier Boxing Champions. “It’s gonna be number 16 right here at the MGM Grand. This is officially Manny Pacquiao’s house. They should put a flag up there that says ‘Bahay ko ito, Pacquiao right here.’”
Comedian Jo Koy hypes up the crowd while delivering a speech in support of Manny Pacquiao during the official weigh-in for the Pacquiao-Barrios fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Photo by Elton Lugay
Pacquiao, 46, is coming out of retirement for a full title bout – not an exhibition as he seeks to reclaim championship glory.
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The eight-division world champion faces Barrios as the main event of a packed PBC Pay-Per-View card airing live on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Saturday.
Jo Koy reflected on Pacquiao’s influence beyond boxing, speaking of the pride he brought to Filipinos around the world.
Manny Pacquiao steps on the scale during the official weigh-in on the eve of his WBC welterweight title bout against Mario Barrios in Las Vegas. Photo by Elton Lugay
Photo by Robert Gamo
“Manny Pacquiao was that man for us – he held that flag up high,” he said. “We couldn’t wait to go back to work and talk about the fight you just witnessed. You saw him fight De La Hoya, fight Morales, Barrera… it solidified everybody, and we were proud of that. He was our bragging right.”
Jo Koy (right) takes a photo of Pacquiao before the weigh-in. Photo by Robert Gamo
The comedian, who is currently headlining sold-out shows across the US, said the energy at a Pacquiao fight is like no other. “It’s completely different,” he said. “We’re going to see two warriors go at it. But the energy inside these arenas – it’s just unbelievable. Manny always brings it. There’s never been a fight where you’re disappointed.”
Thousands of fans packed the MGM Grand Garden Arena ahead of Saturday’s pay-per-view showdown. Photo by Robert Gamo
Pacquiao, who last fought in August 2021, returned to a hero’s welcome during the weigh-in, with fans waving flags, singing, and roaring in support.
Spotted at the weigh-in were Jinkee Pacquiao, wife of Manny Pacquiao, and former Gov. Chavit Singson, longtime supporter and member of Pacquiao’s official entourage, ahead of the Pacquiao-Barrios fight. Photo by Elton Lugay
From left: Jo Koy, Chavit Singson and Freddie Roach look on as Manny Pacquiao is interviewed before the weigh-in. Photo by Robert Gamo
“The reason I came back to boxing is that I realized I can still fight,” Pacquiao said in a PBC interview. “I still have that passion, I still have that speed. I am blessed by God. I feel happiness in my heart that I can come back here for a fight in Vegas. It’s nice, it’s what I want.
“This victory is very important because this is good inspiration for young kids – not only for the boxers, but also for the people who have dreams. Even though I’m 46, if you are still dreaming in your life, you can make it.”
The evening will also feature a highly anticipated co-main event rematch between WBC super welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora and Australian star Tim Tszyu. Additional action on the card includes Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on Angel Fierro and a featherweight bout between Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and Joet Gonzalez.
For Jo Koy, who attended with memories of watching Pacquiao bouts alongside his passionate, boxing-loving mother, the fight is more than just a sporting event.
“When you’re Filipino, you’re always looking for something to proudly brag about,” he said. “You have to walk in with Pacquiao merch and Filipino flags – it just feels good to be represented. It’s fun to see someone bring a culture up, and a community up. That’s what this is.”
