Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios Presser, Betting Odds, Preview Show & Weigh-in Video
Click HERE to Watch Gloves Off: Pacquiao vs. Barrios
LAS VEGAS – July 18th, 2025 – The fighting pride of the Philippines, an eight-division world champion and as of last month, an inductee into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. While it seems like the larger than life Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao has accomplished everything you can in the sport, he could add yet another chapter to his historic legacy this Saturday, July 19 when he challenges WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in the main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
In addition to becoming the first fighter to accomplish the incomprehensible feat of winning a world title after a Hall of Fame induction, Pacquiao could break his own record as the oldest welterweight world champion in history if he takes the WBC belt from Barrios. Pacquiao originally set the mark in July 2019, as he defeated the previously unbeaten Keith Thurman at 40-years-old. 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 is out to prove once again that he’s a generational athlete that transcends the sport.
Pacquiao will return to the ring at a place that he’s made his own, the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the fight capital of the world, as he makes his 16th appearance at the venue, more than any fighter in the venue’s considerable history. With his 15th main event on July 19, he ties the mark set by fellow legend Floyd Mayweather at the venue, and only trails Mayweather in total wins at the arena (15-10). The two inextricably linked all-time greats are also tied for the most title fights at MGM Grand with 12 each.
On July 19, Pacquiao will be facing a foe with a familiar fighting heritage in the Mexican-American Barrios, as Pacquiao has defeated a who’s-who of Mexico’s best throughout his career. Since the year 2003, Pacquiao has beaten 12 Mexican or Mexican-American fighters including legends such as Juan Manuel Marquez, Oscar De La Hoya, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Antonio Margarito. These triumphs include some of Pacquiao’s most notable wins and helped him earn the attention and adoration of boxing’s rabid Mexican fanbase.
While racking up all of these accomplishments, Pacquiao has garnered respect from a wide range of boxing luminaries who have shared their favorite “Manny Moments” ahead of the July 19 event. Amongst those who spoke about Pacquiao were former opponents Thurman and Barrera, as well as former sparring partner and welterweight champion Shawn Porter.
“It’s never been about one moment for me when it comes to Manny Pacquiao,” said Thurman. “My favorite moment is any time he’s busted off those eight-punch combos. With an opponent on the ropes, world-class competition, and he just fires off an eight-set. It’s happened many times, but every time I’ve witnessed it, it’s sparked a little joy in my heart.”
“I have two favorite Manny moments, the first is when he beat Oscar De La Hoya, because I thought it was impossible,” said Barrera. “I thought it would never happen and then De La Hoya remained seated and it was over. The second one was the way he beat Miguel Cotto. It was two Hall of Famers and Manny being really impressive in that weight class.
“What makes Manny so special is the bond and closeness with his fans. His heart is what makes everyone like him. He likes to put on a show, give it all for the fans, and most importantly, he becomes a warrior when he steps in the ring.”
“I have a rare Manny Pacquiao moment, because there aren’t too many that get to spar with the legend,” said Porter. “He flew me and my dad out to the Philippines and we met for the first time and he was like ‘okay this is gonna be fun.’ I was shocked because this was the first time that someone treated getting in the ring with me like it wasn’t a big deal…After I talked to my corner I turned around and took a step toward the center of the ring and it was like this moment came over me like ‘you’re sparring Manny Pacquiao.’ I was in a daze for like the first 10 seconds. And he caught me with a good straight left hand in the first minute and it woke me up. I was like ‘that dude’s got some power’, and then we were off to the races.”
When prognosticating the results of this Saturday, July 19 matchup, the oddsmakers have installed the younger reigning champion Barrios as a betting favorite. Renowned trainer and boxing analyst Stephen “Breadman” Edwards agrees with the sentiment, emphasizing how gargantuan the task at hand is for the 46-year-old great.
“It would be an incredible feat for a 46-year-old fighter to come back and win the welterweight world title,” said Edwards. “It’s hard to even imagine someone being off for a few years and then coming back at 46 and winning it. In all honesty, I think that this may be an impossible task. If anyone can do it, Manny can do it, but right now I’m favoring Barrios.”
Despite the odds, several of the polled boxers are favoring Pacquiao to pull off the upset, including Porter, Barrera, and reigning WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Gary Antuanne Russell.
“Pacquiao is a punches in bunches type of guy and he can crack,” said Russell. “He’s shown that his punching power can get the job done. Barrios is youthful and a selective puncher. I don’t think he’s gonna be able to sit there and take pictures. Manny will make you pay if you wait too long. He’s always shown that he wants to get the fight going.
“Pacquiao is a high-tempo fighter and Barrios has struggled with that pace. Barrios is a tough competitor, but I feel like he still has a lot to learn. Manny has been in there with many champions and I believe he has the tools in his arsenal and that it’ll show the night of the fight. Barrios is gonna have to shock the world. He has to show enough to make Manny respect him. I’m leaning towards Manny being victorious, but may the best man win.”
“I do believe that Manny Pacquiao is gonna beat Mario Barrios,” said Porter. “I know that everyone is talking about his age. That’s the theme, can the old man beat the young man? I think this old man is always gonna be too much until he hangs up the gloves.”
“I think this will be a very interesting fight,” said Barrera. “Pacquiao is a superb warrior, an eight-division world champion who will give it his all and who likes to put on a show. This sets up to be a fight where we will really see these guys collide and make the fans the real winners.
“Barrios is an active defending champion, and while he’s not as complex as the other current champions, he will be dangerous once he steps into the ring. I would like to see Pacquiao win because of the legend that he is. I’ll go with Manny Pacquiao as the winner, but if Barrios wins, it’ll be because he proves that he’s the better fighter right now.”
No matter who you see winning on July 19, the evening is undoubtedly shaping up to be historic, and despite any doubts coming from the outside, Pacquiao has expressed the strong self-belief that he will leave the ring as world champion once again.
“The fire, determination and eagerness to work hard is still there,” said Pacquiao. “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…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.”
MANNY PACQUIAO VS. MARIO BARRIOS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS
“I’m here because I love to go toe-to-toe. I want to give the fans what they want.” – Pacquiao
“I’m going in there with bad intentions and power in both hands. I won’t hesitate to pull the trigger.” – Barrios
Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao Continues Legendary Career By Challenging WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario Barrios in Main Event of PBC Pay-Per-View Event on Prime Video This
Saturday, July 19 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/
Premier Boxing Champions
Click HERE for Press Conference Replay Via the Premier Boxing Champions YouTube Channel
LAS VEGAS – July 16, 2025 – Hall of Fame boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios went face-to-face Wednesday at the final press conference before they headline a star-studded PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video this Saturday, July 19 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao can etch his name into another chapter of the history books by going straight from his recent induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame to a world championship-winning performance on July 19. For Barrios, he will look to take down a legend, and continue to establish himself as a star in boxing’s glamour division.
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.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from MGM Grand in Las Vegas:
MANNY PACQUIAO
“I’m here again for another big fight. I’m so thankful to the fans for all their support. Without the fans, boxing is dead. I really appreciate their support.
“I’m okay being the underdog. I’ve been the underdog many times. I’m always bringing surprises.
“I’ve been a challenger many times and it’s always the same feeling. I’m excited to take the belt. He’s a good fighter also, but our job is to entertain the fans. We’re gonna give them a real fight.
“Saturday night it’s going to be a great fight. It’s been a while that I’ve been out of the ring, but I’m still active and exercising all the time. I’m going to prove to everyone that I’m in great condition.
“I’ve been enjoying training camp like I did in the past. Just like when I was 26-years-old. The discipline is still the same. Even with my layoff, my passion is still there.
“I’m here because I love to go toe-to-toe. I want to give the fans what they want. That’s my goal every time I step into the ring.
“I never take it easy in training. I can work hard just like when I was young. Saturday night will be a lot of action and the fans will be happy. That’s my goal.
“We’re back in boxing again. We’re going to show the world that boxing is still alive and kicking. Manny Pacquiao is still here. I’m back.
“It’s amazing to still be fighting here in this arena. It’s a blessing to still be here giving good fights for the fans. I’m excited for the fans.
“I respect Barrios, he’s a champion and he works hard also. This is for the fans.”
“It’s been a long camp and we’re ready to step in there come Saturday. This is historic. Hats off to Pacquiao for daring to be great. But it’s my time now and I’m gonna show that come Saturday.
“I’m not going in there looking for the knockout, but I’m going in there with bad intentions and power in both hands. I won’t hesitate to pull the trigger.
“He’s had so many victories over many Mexican fighters and now I’m a part of that, but I’m gonna be on the other side with my hand raised. I was a big Juan Manuel Marquez fan and when he knocked out Manny, that was one of my favorite moments.
“It’s all smiles right now, but I know that come fight night that smile won’t be on his face anymore, and neither will mine. The best man will come out with his hand raised.
“I have confidence in my preparation. We’ve had a tremendous training camp with my whole team. I’m walking into this fight with all of that confidence.
“I’ve been preparing for 12 rounds of nonstop action. I know the style that he brings when he steps into the ring. I’m looking to test him in every way come Saturday.
“At the end of the day, he’s just another man in there. Another opponent trying to take my title. Regardless of everything he’s accomplished and given to the sport.
“We have a great game plan for this fight and I’m ready to step in there Saturday. I’m ready for war. Just counting down the days.
“I always put on for San Antonio. I don’t know if it’s something in the water back home, but we have a lot of talent there. I’m very proud to represent San Antonio and my Mexican and indigenous roots.
“Manny is one of a kind. He’s not an easy style to copy in training camp. We’ve gotten a lot of different southpaw looks so I’m feeling extremely comfortable.
“It feels amazing to be in this position. I poured everything into this sport since I was kid, and now I get to walk the strip with my family and see my name all over. It’s something that I’ve always dreamed of. Now it’s my job to show why I’m going to continue to be the champion.”
TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions
“We are thrilled to be back here once again at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. We were here last year for a big celebration of the historic 100th championship fight night at the arena and It’s incredible to be back with the Hall of Fame legend Manny Pacquiao challenging the WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario Barrios.
“Manny first fought in the arena in 2001 and this is his record sixteenth time fighting here. We have a star-studded PBC Pay-Per-View event here on Saturday night. It’s a great card from top-to-bottom and this is shaping up to be another historic night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.”
ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. BARRIOS
Pacquiao vs. Barrios will see Hall of Fame boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios square off in the main event of a star-studded PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, July 19 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
In the co-main event, WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Australian superstar Tim Tszyu will rematch after engaging in 2024’s bloodiest fight.
The action will also feature Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and his hard-hitting countryman Angel Fierro meeting for a second time in a 12-round super lightweight duel after their action packed February clash, plus former two-division world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and top contender Joet Gonzalez kick off the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with a 12-round WBA Featherweight Title Eliminator.
Preceding the pay-per-view, champion Gary Russell Jr. tops a three fight card streaming live on Prime Video, as he steps back into the ring to face Hugo Castañeda in a 10-round lightweight showdown.
The action also includes undefeated top super bantamweight David “Rey” Picasso dueling Japanese contender Kyonosuke Kameda in a 10-round affair, plus Filipino power-puncher and former world champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo battles Mexico’s Jorge Mata in a 10-round super featherweight attraction opening the show at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.
PACQUIAO VS. BARRIOS UNDERCARD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS
Featuring Sebastian Fundora, Tim Tszyu, Isaac Cruz, Brandon Figueroa, Joet Gonzalez, Gary Russell Jr.,
David Picasso, Mark Magsayo & More
Fighters Preview Respective Showdowns Taking Place This Saturday, July 19 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video Begins
at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT
PBC on Prime Video Prelims Stream Live & For Free Beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions
Click HERE for Press Conference Replay Via the Premier Boxing Champions YouTube Channel
LAS VEGAS – July 16, 2025 – Before they step into the ring on a jam-packed PBC event, undercard fighters went face-to-face at a press conference Thursday to preview their respective showdowns taking place this Saturday, July 19 in a PBC event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The press conference featured WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Australia superstar Tim Tszyu, who will meet in the co-main event of a stacked PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video.
Also competing in pay-per-view action and facing off Thursday were Mexican rivals Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and Angel Fierro, who meet in a 12-round rematch, plus former two-division champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and featherweight contender Joet Gonzalez, who kick off the pay-per-view with a WBA Featherweight Title Eliminator at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
The press conference also included fighters competing on the three-fight PBC on Prime Video lineup that precedes the pay-per-view. The show will see former world champion Gary Russell Jr. take on Hugo Castañeda in the 10-round main event, unbeaten super bantamweight contender David “Rey” Picasso face Japanese contender Kyonosuke Kameda, and former world champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo battle Jorge Mata in the opening attraction at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.
These fights will lead up to the much anticipated showdown between Hall of Famer Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios as it tops a four-fight PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video.
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.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from MGM Grand:
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“This is gonna be a great fight. It was so nice we had to do it twice. We’re gonna put on a great show Saturday night.
“Anything can happen in boxing. That first fight was a reminder. I just had to stick to the plan and that’s what I did.
“I feel very confident. I felt confident in the first fight. We had to run this back. Damage is gonna be done.
“He fought the whole fight with the cut. If he had such a big problem with the cut, the corner would have stopped it. That’s just what I think. I can only speak from my perspective. If he’s fighting, he’s fine.
“I prepare the same way I always prepare. I’m here at the top level and I’m a world champion. The strategies we’ve had have been successful. I’m gonna keep doing what we’ve been doing and win.
“We trained hard for this. This is the dream we worked for. We want to continue to be world champion and build a legacy in this sport.
“We have an icon in Manny Pacquiao in the main event to remind us all that we can be that guy. I’m very motivated for this fight and happy to be here in Las Vegas at the best venue for boxing. We’re gonna put on a great show.”
TIM TSZYU
“You dream of these moments as a young kid and to finally be here for this moment is a pleasure of mine.
“We’re gonna put on one hell of a show. He shoulda killed me the first time, because this time it’s gonna be a whole different story.
“With a proper preparation to see what works and doesn’t work, it’ll play a big part in what happens in the ring. I’m going to have a better and more intelligent performance.
“With adversity, my desire to win only grows. The past has made me who I am today and that’s a dangerous fighter willing to take it all. This is a new phase I’m in. I’m smarter, hungrier and more confident.
“This is what we do. We’re both in it to the very end. At the end of the day, we hop in the ring and we risk it all. We’re perfect dance partners and we bring the best out of each other.
“I’ve never been a guy who’s afraid to get hit. Sometimes you have to take a few to leave a few. That’s just the sport.
“When I come into the ring I come in with the mentality that I’ll do anything to win. I was never going to stop that fight. I’m always in there to finish the fight to the very end. I would have hated it if the corner had stopped the first fight.
“The cut distracted me in the first fight. That’s what I was thinking about in the corner and that presents challenges. He said that I could see clearly, but I obviously couldn’t. That’s why we need the rematch. There are questions to be answered and we’ll answer them.”
ISAAC CRUZ
“I want the fans to be the true winners on Saturday. It’s gonna be a great fight and I can’t wait to get into the ring.
“I’ve fought plenty of fighters who like to talk trash before the fight. All I can do is prepare my hardest. My goal is not to trash talk, it’s to win world titles.
“I’ve focused on my preparation. I feel strong and ready to go. I’m not focused on what happened in the first fight.
“I’m always here to provide great fights for the fans. I fight for them. It doesn’t matter who I’m facing. I’m going to give the fans their money’s worth.
“I’m glad he’s coming for war. He’s gonna have to watch out. We’re in for a great fight on Saturday night.”
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“This is a stacked card on Saturday and I can’t wait to fight alongside these great warriors. I’m coming with everything.
“This training camp has been amazing with Manny Robles. I was away from my family this time because I want to be at the elite level and make sacrifices. I’ll do anything to be the best in the world.
“I’m in the best shape of my life. I had a great connection with Manny Robles and I’m feeling strong and confident. The passion that I have for this sport is immense, and I can’t wait to go out there and dance on Saturday night.
“This sport is very demanding, but I love to be a part of it. I’m living my dreams fighting on the biggest stages. My brother Omar paved the way for me and I’m grateful to keep it going.
“Gonzalez is an aggressive fighter just like me. I’m gonna leave it all out there in the ring. I’m bringing everything.”
JOET GONZALEZ
“I’m very excited for this fight. I’m extremely motivated to give everyone a great fight on Saturday, and most importantly get that win.
“I’m expecting an exciting matchup. I know he’s very hungry to get back on the winning track. I’m expecting the best Brandon there’s ever been. But I’m planning to get that victory.
“I just have to beat him in every aspect. Whether its boxing or toe-to-toe. I just have to beat him in every way possible and get my hand raised.”
GARY RUSSELL JR.
“I had a great camp. This is a 10-round fight and I don’t expect it to go all 10 rounds.
“I’m just excited to be back. I’ve been focused on everyone else for the past few years. Now I have the time to focus on what I want to do, and that’s this fight on Saturday.
“Hopefully everyone will see what you’re accustomed to seeing and that’s boxing excellence at it’s best. I worked hard and trained hard, and may the best man win.
“The Mexican fighters are like our cousins, so it’s a family affair. I’m glad that he took the fight and I take my hat off to him.”
HUGO CASTAÑEDA
“I’m here to warm the ring up for Manny Pacquiao. It’s gonna be an amazing night. I’m here to get the win.
“This is a great opportunity and I know that I’m facing a great champion. But I’m from Mexico, and we’re bad asses.
“I’m ready for war and you’re gonna see what Mexicans from Reynoso are all about.”
DAVID PICASSO
“I’m so happy for this opportunity. We’re going to be ready for Saturday night. I’m prepared to win and go after all of the world titles.
“I’m ready to go the distance, but if the knockout comes earlier, even better.
“I’ve prepared very intensely. I tried to surpass my own limits. Once I step into the ring, I’m going to fight like it’s the last fight of my life. Like it’s for a world title. That’s just what I do.”
KYONOSUKE KAMEDA
“This is gonna be a great fight on Saturday. This is my moment to take. I’m going to steal the show on Saturday and go on to fight for the title.
“I’ve trained really hard with one goal in mind. I want the world title fight. I’m going to beat David Picasso and that’s the only thing I’m focused on. I’m gonna win by first round knockout.”
MARK MAGSAYO
“I’m so excited to be on this undercard for Manny Pacquaio. It’s Philippines vs. Mexico and we’re gonna give the fans a great fight.
“This rivalry means good fights. We’re going to give the fans a show and leave everything in the ring. I’m glad we’re keeping this rivalry going.
“We’re just focused on this fight. This is what we’ve worked for. We’ll worry about the rest later. I just want to give the fans a great fight.”
JORGE MATA
“This is gonna be an amazing fight, you won’t want to miss it. This is a great opportunity and I’ve prepared like never before. The fans will be the true winners on Saturday night.”
MEXICAN STAR ISAAC CRUZ TO FACE ALL-ACTION CONTENDER OMAR SALCIDO IN PBC PAY-PER-VIEW ON PRIME VIDEO ACTION TOMORROW NIGHT FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS
Angel Fierro Forced To Withdraw From Scheduled Rematch Against Cruz
Star-Studded Night Headlined by Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao Challenging WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario Barrios
LAS VEGAS – July 18, 2025 – Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will now face all-action contender Omar Salcido in a 10-round super lightweight showdown featured on tomorrow night’s PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Cruz was originally scheduled to face Angel Fierro, who was forced to withdraw due to a medical emergency, while Salcido had previously been set to compete on the non-televised undercard.
The four-fight pay-per-view is headlined by the return of Hall of Famer Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao continuing his legendary career by challenging WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios.
In the co-main event, WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Australia superstar Tim Tszyu will square off in a rematch of 2024’s bloodiest fight. Kicking off the pay-per-view is former two-division champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and featherweight contender Joet Gonzalez in a 12-round WBA Featherweight Title Eliminator at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Cruz vs. Salcido will follow
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.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
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. Trained by his father Isaac Cruz Sr., the 26-year-old challenged 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.
Originally from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and now fighting out of California, Salcido (20-2, 14 KOs) will return to action after going the distance with undefeated lightweight contender Andy Cruz in January. The 25-year-old had previously earned a career-best victory when he knocked out former interim champion Chris Colbert in the ninth-round of their October 2024 showdown.
Pacquiao vs. Barrios Average Betting Odds:
Manny Pacquiao Discusses a Possible Floyd Mayweather Rematch:
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