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Manny Pacquiao Vs. Mario Barrios Predictions – ‘He’s Got Too Much Heart’

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 9:54 AM ET

Manny Pacquiao takes on Mario Barrios as he comes out of retirement on July 19 in a WBC Welterweight Title clash, as boxing insiders gave their predictions.

Pacquiao will return at 46, hoping to break his own record for being the oldest welterweight champion. He secured that record when he overcame Keith Thurman in 2019 in his last win after which he retired when he lost to Yordenis Ugas in 2021. Pacman’s preparation for this fight has been an exhibition against kickboxer Rukiya Anpo, which took place last year. Teddy Atlas and Bob Arum have expressed their concern over Manny potentially risking his health.

Meanwhile, Barrios is not in the best form. He secured a draw in his previous fight against Abel Ramos last year. However, as the welterweight champion and favorite for this fight, Barrios knows he can add a major scalp on his resume even if Pacman is not in his prime. Here is how boxing insiders saw the fight playing out.

Predictions

“I think Mario is going to get him. Pacquiao’s a legend man. I wish the best, both fighters come out healthy. But you know Pacquiao is almost 50. I hope he does good but you know Mario’s young. He’s strong, he’s big. I think Mario going to do it,” Tiger Johnson

“I’m going with the youth, but I feel like Pacquiao’s got more experience. I don’t know, you can’t count out Pacquiao because his calves are still this big, so he has still been doing something. But I’m going to lean towards the youth a little, I’m going to go with Mario a little bit,” Avious Griffin

“Manny Pacquiao is a great fighter, but I don’t know maybe, the age difference. I don’t know if Manny’s been training. But you know starting to come back from retirement, the age difference, I think I’m leaning more towards Mario,” Emiliano Moreno

“Mario Barrios man. Pacquiao has been out of the game for just way too long. And you know father time is undefeated, so I got Mario Barrios. And he’s got a lot of momentum right now coming off the Ugass of the win. I don’t think a stoppage. I think Pacquiao’s got too much heart for that, but I think Mario Barrios will get the win,” Prenice Brewer

“He’s going to put up a fight but I think it’s going to be a draw,” Alarenz Reynolds

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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