Pacquiao Promises Surprise Against Barrios
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 18 Jul 2025
Former world champion Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao is hinting at a surprise for current WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in their upcoming fight on July 19 [July 20, Manila time] at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Pacquiao, in a press conference, stated that he is comfortable being the underdog, noting that he has been in that position in many fights throughout his career.
“Manny Pacquiao has always brought surprises,” said the 46-year-old Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39KOs).
The 30-year-old Barrios (29-2-1, 18KOs) emphasized he's "not going for a knockout" but enters the fight with "bad intentions in both hands." Barrios will not hesitate to pull the trigger.
He is a big fan of former champion Juan Manuel Marquez (56-7-1, 40KOs), who famously knocked out Pacquiao in the 12th round in November 2011 at the MGM.
Barrios has been the betting favorite, with odds ranging from -250 to -370, while Pacquiao's current odds are between +210 and +275.
Pacquiao, however, stressed that "more action, aggression, and throwing a lot of strong punches" must be employed in order to win.
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