Mario Barrios assesses Manny Pacquiao and Gervonta Davis’ punching power: ‘He’s definitely cracking’

Mario Barrios has faced some of the biggest names in boxing, but the reigning WBC welterweight world champion admitted the power of Manny Pacquiao, 46, surprised him during their fight in July.

Barrios edged out Botirzhon Akhmedov to win the WBA super lightweight world title in 2019, but made just one defense of the belt before a first career loss to Gervonta Davis cost him the throne in 2021.

Despite losing to Keith Thurman in his next outing, Barrios bounced back with three straight wins and was promoted to WBC welterweight champion last year, making his two title defenses since against Abel Ramos and Manny Pacquiao.

Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Barrios said he realized he was in for a tougher fight than many predicted after sharing just one round with ‘Pac Man’, who had only fought once in six years previously and said the Filipino legend and Davis could “crack”.

“I don’t compare power much. Pacquiao can definitely crack, Tank [Davis] can definitely crack – this is one of the few fights where I hit the canvas, but yeah, this old man [Pacquiao] is strong.

“Oh, [I realised Pacquiao could still punch] from the first round.

“El Azteca” will now hope to achieve a first victory as WBC champion, in what will be his third attempt to defend the crown, when he faces Ryan Garcia on Saturday February 21.