Home » Pacquiao vs Barrios 2025: fight week set

Pacquiao vs Barrios 2025: fight week set

Get a good read on what to expect on fight week for Saturday’s Pacquiao vs Barrios showdown for the WBC welterweight title.

Measure up on how these two fighters from different generations match up each other as they take on the ring at MGM Grand in Las Vegas in less than a week.

PACQUIAO VS BARRIOS FIGHT WEEK: HOW DOES ONE MEASURE UP TO THE OTHER

The Pacquiao vs Barrios fight week will give boxing fans an outline on how one measures up to the other a few days before the big bout.

On the other hand, the facts and the numbers here will give fight fans an idea of what to expect, as both seek a piece of history on July 19.

WHO HAS THE EDGE?

Category	Pacquiao	Barrios
Experience	72 fights – 8-division world champion	32 fights – Current WBC welterweight champion
Speed and angles	Still sharp at 46	More controlled orthodox approach
Youth and size	At a disadvantage	Younger (30), taller, and has a longer reach.

What we think: If Pacquiao can control the pace early, he can edge Barrios and win via a decision. Barrios wins if he drags the fight into the later round and uses his size effectively.

ROUND BREAKDOWN AND KEYS TO VICTORY

Round	Pacquiao factor	Barrios factor
1-4	Quick start, overwhelm opponent with combos	Stay composed, control distance
5-8	Keep up footwork, avoid clinches	Target the body, wear the opponent down
9-12	Use veteran savvy, smarts; steal rounds	Push the pace, test Pacquiao’s stamina

TRAINING CAMP INSIGHTS

Behind the Scenes with Team Pacquiao

Pacquiao focused on endurance, high-volume mitt work, and reaction drills to sharpen timing; Freddie Roach stressed angles and early aggression to offset Barrios’ height.

For instance, he hooked up with long-time trainer Freddie Roach, Buboy Fernandez, Justin Fortune, and Marvin Somodio since early July.

Nevertheless, Team Pacquiao focused on base-building to peak readiness the past few weeks.

Somodio reported that the pace of their training is “better than the last one,” referring to Pacquiao’s last pro fight against Cuban Yordenis Ugas in 2021.

Pac-Man’s day usually starts with an intensive run at Griffith Park in Los Angeles the moment he arrives in the US.

He is often joined by some celebrities from Teofimo Lopez to Cris Cyborge, and NFL safety Camryn Bynum to boost elite-level cardio work while forming camaraderie among them.

In addition, Pacquoap goes to the gym to drill mitt rounds, body-shot drills, and strategic sparring with taller sparring partners like Saul Bustos.

This is to simulate Barrios’ 5-foot-10 frame in sparring.

Fortune, the strength and conditioning coach, has cited the need for controlled recovery to prevent overloading Pacquiao’s aging body.

Behind the Scenes with Team Barrios

Barrios and his team have ramped up their Las Vegas camp with a focused strategy, sharp media sessions, and disciplined workouts.

Team Barrios held an open sparring workout on June 28 where Barrios, who stood alongside trainer Bob Santos declared his confidence coming to the fight.

“It’s all smiles between us right now, but when the bell rings, we’re going in there with bad intentions,” the man also known as “El Azteca” said.

Barrios’ camp drills have cited a push for a stiffer jab and relentless body attack to slow down Pacquiao.

On the other hand, Santos has urged a distance-control game plan with Barrios moving from pure aggression to tactical counter operations.

The San Antonio native has held multiple sparring rounds against taller partners built on proficiency in close distance and allowing for hooks inside the body.

This will prepare Barrios for Pacquiao’s southpaw angles.

Team Barrios’ conditioning routines include intense cardio and strength drills, ensuring the American can keep pace for over 12 rounds.

The “all smiles” from Barrios suggests psychological readiness, wherein his confidence runs deep.

Interestingly, Barrios’ sister, Selina, is back in Team Barrios’ training camp, her presence adding to her brother’s emotional reinforcement and tactical input.

What to Expect from Pacquiao After a Long Layoff?

At 46, ring rust and reflex decline are real concerns.

However, legends like Pacquiao often bank on muscle memory, fast starts, and heart to make up for physical gaps.

What’s Barrios’s Strategy to Shock the World?

Barrios is expected to use a stiff jab, control range, and lean into body shots.

These plans aim to slow Pacquiao’s rhythm during the fight.

Santos says “we’re not chasing him, we’re walking him into traps.”

WHAT BOXERS, TRAINERS, AND ANALYSTS THINK?

• Teddy Atlas, American boxing trainer: “Pacquiao’s timing and rhythm may take 2-3 rounds to return. If he doesn’t fade, he can still win.”
  
• Shawn Porter, US sports commentator & former boxer: “Barrios has to make it ugly early, or it’s a problem.”
  
• Nonito Donaire Jr, Fil-Am boxer, four-division champion: “Manny shocks people because he always finds a second gear when counted out.”
  
• Bernard Hopkins, American former pro boxer: He (Pacquiao) has the experience and speed to win, potentially by decision. He has the tools to outbox Barrios.”
  
• Keith Thurman, American boxer and former Pacquiao opponent: I slightly favor Barrios. But if Pacquiao comes in near his prime, he can hurt Barrios.”
  
• Marco Antonio Barrera, Mexican former boxer and ex-Pacquiao opponent: “It’s going to be entertaining…real beneficiaries are the fans.”
  
• Sugar Ray Leonard, American former pro boxer and Hall of Famer: “Perhaps Pacquiao knows what’s best for him.”
  
• Ricky Hatton, British former pro boxer, former Pacquiao opponent: “No, I don’t think he (Pacquiao) will win… it would be a tragedy for the sport if he loses.”
  
• Bob Arum, Top Rank promoter, Pacquiao’s former promoter: “I’m very concerned. It seems questionable that, at his age, he would put himself at risk…but I will certainly be rooting for him.”
  
• Brandon Figueroa, American pro boxer, Barrios’ sparring partner: Barrios is no pushover – it’s a 50-50 fight. It depends on how hungry Manny is.”
  
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