Pacquiao Shines in Final Press Conference: Can The Pacman Defeat Father Time and Barrios? (Analysis & Prediction)
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 17 Jul 2025
LAS VEGAS, USA — Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios held their final press conference today here at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. Both men conducted themselves perfectly, appearing serious yet confident, and exchanging friendly smiles.
It was a pleasure attending today's event, which was well-attended by a good number of fellow Filipino media members including Nick Giongco of the Daily Tribune, Josef Ramos of the Business Mirror, and many more.
"He (Pacquiao) is likable," said Barrios. "And a Hall-of-Famer… it’s an honor to share the ring with him."
"He (Barrios) is the world champion for a reason. I respect that," commented the hugely popular Pacman.
However, despite their mutual respect, the two men will vie for a thrilling victory Saturday night. And, if by knockout, even better.
Absolutely, Pacquiao vs. Barrios is set to be an epic, electrifying clash. For fans here in Las Vegas, the Philippines, and around the world, it will be the clash of the legendary, beloved former Lion King versus the younger, reigning champion.
Who will win? Let's talk about it.
Pacquiao, 46, is indeed looking to become king again, as well as the oldest welterweight champion in history.
His recent loss in the Senate in Philippine politics — since he did not make it into the magic-12 — is still somewhat sad and disappointing for Pacquiao. His continuous changing of parties might have affected him.
And that's why he needs a win now more than ever! He needs a win so badly!
Only a super fantastic victory in boxing would erase his recent defeat in politics, right?
Not only that.
There’s another honor. If he succeeds, Manny Pacquiao would become the second oldest boxer in history to ever win a world title. The Pacman would only trail the amazing Bernard Hopkins, who won the light heavyweight world title at age 49.
All the while, Barrios, 30, aims to defend his WBC title and prove himself as a top dog in the welterweight division. Could he defeat our Filipino icon?
Let’s check quick fight details:
• Date: Saturday, July 19.
• Venue: MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
• Time: 7:00 p.m. (Las Vegas Time), Sunday morning, July 20, in the Philippines.
Predictions:
• "The Filipino Flash" Nonito Donaire believes that Pacquiao can win if he fights smart, utilizing his speed, feints, and experience to outmaneuver Barrios.
• But some boxing experts think that Barrios' youth, size, and activity give him an edge, potentially wearing Pacquiao down over 12 rounds. Would that happen?
• In contrast, a recent online article suggests that the younger Barrios is expected to outwork a tiring Pacquiao and pull away late in the fight to earn a unanimous decision. But that’s their opinion.
Key Factors:
• Pacquiao's Age: Yes, at 46, Pacquiao's reflexes and foot speed might not be as thunderously fast as when he fought Marquez, Barrera, Morales, De La Hoya, Cotto, Margarito, and many others. Those lightning-speed moves might have diminished some, but his experience and set of skills could still prove very effective.
• Barrios' Size Advantage: Standing 6 feet tall with a 71-inch reach, Barrios indeed has a notable height and reach advantage over Pacquiao, who is 5' 5½" tall with a 67" reach. Just take a look at these pictures that I took today. The difference is big.
• Pacquiao's Training:*Pacquiao's trainers were Freddie Roach and "Buboy" Fernandez (this time I did not see my old hermano Noynoy Neri). Freddie and Buboy have said that their boxer is still superbly sharp and in shape, despite his age. That statement seems to be 100% true.
However, some fans of Pacquiao worry that their hero has not looked particularly good in exhibition matches against YouTubers. Hermanos, PALIHUG, delete that from your minds. Pacquiao did not train for those exhibition matches! This time he has! Absolutely!
Another point: The fact that Pacquiao lost the Senate election, not making it into the Magic 12, as I mentioned above, IS A VERY BIG motivating factor for him, wanting to prove to all Filipinos, even those who did not vote for him, that he is still a Lion King, a force to be reckoned with.
Ultimately, in my humble opinion, the outcome depends on how well Pacquiao adapts to Barrios' style. And vice versa. If Pacquiao can use his speed and feints effectively, as Nonito says, he might pull off a huge, historic upset. But, could Barrios' youth and size prove too much for our idol?
Well, given all these factors between Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios, I lean towards Pacquiao winning. After Friday's weigh-in, I will come to the sports bookie here at the MGM to bet $500 dollars on our idol, and here’s why:
• Experience and Skill: Pacquiao's super class and ring-smarts are still there. Plus, his decades-long career and eight-weight world championships speak volumes about his expertise.
Question: On fight night, might Barrios feel overwhelmed and nervous while facing such a big Hall of Fame legend, knowing that in this event he is the "B side?" I think yes, it’s possible.
Good old Freddy claims that Pacquiao is still sharp and totally fit. I agree 100%. Plus, as my hermano and fellow reporter Jose Monty Flores points out: this time there are no shoulder nor health issues. Not this time, as when the Pacman fought Floyd Mayweather, remember?
• Furthermore, Marquez and Mosley Think Pacman Wins:** "Sugar" Shane Mosley, and Juan Manuel Marquez, and even De La Hoya, three former opponents and current Pacquiao allies, believe that Pacquiao can win, and even by TKO, if Barrios stays stationary.
• Legacy Drive: Pacquiao's motivation to become welterweight champion again will push him to deliver an impressive performance, not to mention that a title defense would make him earn many more millions of dollars.
Which begs the question many fans wonder: is Pacquiao fighting at 46 because his bank account starts to run low, and fighting is the only way in which he can make big money? Honestly, I do not know. But I do not think Manny’s *kwarta* is running low. Not at all. (my opinion)
Nevertheless, Barrios has his strengths:
• Youth and Reach: As mentioned, at 30, Barrios has a significant age advantage, and standing 6 feet with a 71-inch reach, which could trouble our hero. But Hermanos, Pacquiao has experience fighting much taller men, such as De La Hoya, Algieri, and Margarito, and he defeated all of them.
• Active Form: Barrios has been active in recent years, defending his WBC title and showcasing his skills. Meanwhile, Pacquiao was campaigning, as we know.
• Pressure Fighting: Barrios' style focuses on applying pressure early and maintaining a strong defense. Would that wear down Pacquiao?
Ultimately, the outcome depends on how well each fighter adapts to the other's style on July 19, but PACQUIAO’S experience is so decisive. So, I feel Pacquiao can win this one. That’s why I will bet, and in my personal Facebook you will see a pic of the ticket. I’ll do it after the weigh-in.
IMPORTANTLY, Barrios is in no way as talented as Marquez, Morales, Barrera, and other great boxers the Pacman battled.
It all comes down to how fit the Pacman is.
If we believe Freddie and Buboy that the Pacman is in tip-top shape, then we have a WINNER!
And this is why I am here at the MGM Grand to attend this historic fight, hoping for the best.
And what do you think?
The author checks in at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Written by boxing reporter Carlos Costa of Cebu City, these days here in Las Vegas. Email: carlos512@hotmail.com, WhatsApp +639184538152
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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