Image of Manny Pacquiao punching Mario Barrios with inset of Teddy Atlas. Credit: Harry How/Kevork Djansezian via Getty Images

Legendary coach gives honest assessment on who won Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios

Originally posted on Bloody Knockout | By Donal Long | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 1:49 PM ET

The WBC World Welterweight title fight between Mario Barrios and Manny Pacquiao caused some debate following an inconclusive result.

Barrios and Pacquiao fought to a draw, despite many feeling ‘Pac-Man’ was the victor. Despite not getting his hand raised, the Filipino fighter impressed in his comeback showing.

The coach of Barrios was impressed with Pacquiao’s stamina in the bout, as his fighter was able to salvage a draw with a late rally.

Although the fight result is conflicted among fans, one coach and boxing expert has had his say on the outcome of the fight.

Teddy Atlas gives his verdict on Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios result

Legendary coach Teddy Atlas has given his thoughts on the recent title match between Pacquiao and Barrios.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Atlas began by describing Pacquiao as a “special, special fighter.” He then said, “When I watched it, I felt he [Pacquiao] won.”

However, Atlas did say that many fans may have instinctively felt that ‘Pac-Man’ won the fight due to his legendary status.

After rewatching the fight, Atlas said, “It was a very, very close fight, with a lot of close rounds. I don’t have a problem with the draw. You want to give it to him [Pacquiao]? Go ahead.”

The coach went on to add that the fight was not the ‘robbery’ that some fans felt it was in regard to Pacquiao being denied a win. “That was a close fight, I don’t have a problem with the draw.”

Atlas then compared the fight between Barrios and Pacquiao to Sugar Ray Leonard versus Marvin Hagler. The point of comparison between the fights was that Pacquiao and Leonard were both good at stealing rounds in the final moments.

Teddy Atlas says that Mario Barrios might have respected Manny Pacquiao too much

Barrios has been on the receiving end of criticism following his draw with Pacquiao, who is 16 years his senior.

Breaking down the fight, Atlas says that Barrios may have ‘respected Pacquiao too much.’

The coach said that Pacquiao was not landing with major power, before adding, “Could Barrios have thrown more? Yes! Did Barrios respect him too much? Maybe.”

Atlas said, “Maybe he respected what he [Pacquiao] used to be. He didn’t want to walk into traps.”

Continuing his analysis, Atlas said that Barrios ‘did not set the pace fast enough’ in his fight with Pacquiao.

This article first appeared on Bloody Knockout and was syndicated with permission.

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