Boxing

Roy Jones Jr Breaks Down Manny Pacquiao’s Path To Victory Against Mario Barrios

Roy Jones Jr explains how Manny Pacquiao can beat Mario Barrios.
Apratim Banerjee|
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

46-year-old Manny Pacquiao makes his return to the ring against Mario Barrios on July 19. 'Pacman' is challenging for the WBC welterweight title. A former eight division world champion, the only in boxing history, Pacquiao is looking to achieve greatness yet again.

He is up against an opponent who is 16 years younger, 6.5" taller, and has a 4" reach advantage. On paper, it might look like a tough night for Pacquiao. However, those who have followed the Filipino's career know that Pacquiao can defy the odds under any circumstances.

It will be fascinating to see how Pacquiao performs at this age. While there are many naysayers about 'Pacman', Roy Jones Jr is backing the legend to get the job done and has laid out the exact pathway that could see Pacquiao to victory.

Jones Jr recently said:

You stay away from Barrios for the first six rounds and boxing smartly, he'll beat Barrios. He goes in there trying to trade with Barrios, Barrios will catch him.
Roy Jones Jr
Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

When asked whether he has concerns about Pacquiao returning at this age, Roy Jones Jr said that he fought Mike Tyson at 54, albeit in an exhibition, but that he won't doubt anyone under that age.

Manny's a consummate professional. He knows how to handle himself, he knows what he's up against, he knows what he's challenging before going in there. He knows what Barrios is, he knows everything about Barrios.

He added that, "Manny's one of the top fighters to ever live for a reason. Manny's different than a lot of guys. Manny fought a lot of tough fighters in their prime. So Manny's a different type of guy."

Manny Pacquiao (63-8-2) managed 39 knockout wins in his career and always possessed knockout power inside the ring. As they say, power is the last thing that a fighter loses. Therefore, Pacquiao might still have the venom to stun his opponent.

As for Mario Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs), it's an opportunity to get a win against an living legend.

The July 19 fight will take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

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Apratim Banerjee
APRATIM BANERJEE

Apratim is a Boxing and Soccer reporter for On SI. He has been in the industry for five years, having also worked for The Sporting News, Sportskeeda, EssentiallySports, and more. After coming from an engineering background, he started pursuing a career in sports media. Apratim also holds an MSc. Sport Marketing degree from Loughborough University London and is a keen practitioner of social media and digital marketing. In his spare time, Apratim likes to play an array of sports and practice calisthenics. He is also an avid enthusiast of improving his martial arts skills.