WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios speaks throughout a information convention at MGM Grand Lodge & On line casino on July 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Barrios is scheduled to defend his title in opposition to Manny Pacquiao, who introduced he was popping out of retirement practically 4 years after his final combat, on July 19 at MGM Grand Backyard Area. Ethan Miller/Getty Photographs/AFP
For extra Pacquiao vs Barrios tales: The Pacquiao Information
LAS VEGAS–Mario Barrios’ coach Bob Santos doesn’t wish to make the identical mistake twice of underestimating a 40-something Manny Pacquiao.
Santos picked Keith Thurman to beat Manny Pacquiao, satisfied there’s no method a 40-year-old might stand an opportunity in opposition to a youthful and larger, undefeated champion in 2019.
READ: Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios: ‘Actual combat, all-out battle’
Santos was at ringside when Pacquiao proved him improper by claiming the WBA welterweight title and he realized one thing that night time–a worthwhile lesson that might come in useful six years later.
“I assumed there’s no method Manny Pacquiao might beat this man. It’s unimaginable,” recalled Santos on Wednesday. “I’m pondering Manny shouldn’t be doing this combat that is an excessive amount of. I’m watching, sitting at ringside, then growth, Thurman’s down. I’m within the sixth spherical, I can’t imagine what I’m witnessing. He’s gonna run out of fuel. The twelfth spherical occurs, and new.’”
“You’ve bought to be kidding me. This isn’t actual what I’ve seen and that’s the Manny Pacquiao I’m preparing for,” he added.
READ: Who’s Mario Barrios? Meet Manny Pacquiao’s comeback foe
Santos doesn’t imagine that Pacquiao is not the identical fighter he as soon as was when he beat Thurman.
“They mentioned the Keith Thurman was already [six] years in the past. However that’s what in addition they mentioned about him going into that combat. That’s what I mentioned. There’s no method [he’s beating Thurman] he’s in his 40s now. Properly, he’s nonetheless in his 40s, so what the hell is the distinction with that man? And he lives a clear life-style, don’t neglect,” he mentioned.
Santos mentioned a 45-year-old George Foreman knocking out a a lot youthful Michael Moorer of their heavyweight world title combat in 1994 is a chief instance why Pacquiao stays formidable even in any case these years.
Santos mentioned Barrios, who dangers his WBC welterweight belt, underwent a rigorous 13-week coaching camp in Las Vegas and is prepared for an all-out battle from the get-go as much as the ultimate bell.
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“That is the toughest camp Mario Barrios has ever had in his profession,” mentioned Santos.
