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Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios: Preview & Betting Tips

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | By Jake Staniland | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 10:35 AM ET

Mario Barrios prepares to face the legendary Manny Pacquiao in a welterweight bout for the WBC welterweight title this weekend.

Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KO’s) enters this fight riding the kind of momentum that makes him a dangerous man for anyone, let alone a past-it Pacquiao. After starting his career with 26 straight wins, he’s now re-established himself after a couple of setbacks using his solid blend of size, long reach and athleticism.

Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KO’s) needs no introduction. An eight-division world champion, Hall of Famer in waiting, and one of the most electrifying fighters the sport has ever seen. However, he’s fast approaching the age of 50, and against someone that’s 16 years younger, if Barrios had no heart, this one could be ugly to watch.

Tale of the Tape

Mario Barrios – Odds 1.40

Record: 29-2-1, 18 KO’s

Age: 30

Height: 6ft

Reach: 71”

Weight: Welterweight

Stance: Orthodox

Manny Pacquiao – Odds 3.25

Record: 62-8-2, 39 KO’s

Age: 46

Height: 5ft5

Reach: 67”

Weight: Welterweight

Stance: Southpaw

Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios: Analysis

Let’s be real, Pacquiao is 46 years old, and he hasn’t fought competitively since August 2021 when he dropped a decision to Yordenis Ugas. So really, we shouldn’t be expecting much from the legend in this one. Scratch that, he may be competitive for a couple of rounds, but Barrios should really be getting the job done here without much trouble.

Barrios is the superior fighter in every possible physical metric and that should show quite clearly after four or five rounds. Even as a boxing hardcore, I have absolutely zero interest in watching this fight as it’s essentially an old man, Pacquiao, against a prime version of Barrios.

PacMan could win the first couple of rounds just by using his iconic burst, as well as his experience. After that, I see Barrios using his jab and his left hook to control this fight.

Pacquiao vs Barrios: Prediction & Betting Tips

I expect to see Barrios control the distance with his jab, pick his moments to explode, and avoid any unnecessary risks. The younger man doesn’t necessarily need a knockout here. Besides, the boxing world may hate him if he was to brutally finish a boxing legend that’s nearing the age of 50.

Barrios will take his time, probably refuse to hurt Pacquiao, and ultimately cruise to a unanimous decision in what is a rather pointless and borderline embarrassing fight to be sanctioned by the WBC.

This will be a technical one-sided performance from the WBC champion, Barrios. My pick is Mario Barrios to win by decision or technical decision at odds of 3.30.

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

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