Top Trainer Robert Garcia Has No Doubt Who Wins Manny Pacquiao vs Barrios: “I Have To Pick Him”

Manny Pacquiao is set to make a sensational comeback to boxing in less than two months.

After a four year hiatus, it was announced earlier this month the 46-year-old from the Philippines will face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on Saturday July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

It will be Pacquiao’s first ring appearance as a professional since he was beaten by former WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas in June 2021, although ‘Pac-Man’ has participated in two exhibition contests since then, facing DK Yoo and Rukiya Anpo in 2022 and 2024 respectively.

One man who has predicted what he believes the outcome will be when Pacquiao faces Barrios is highly-respected trainer Robert Garcia, who has worked with the likes of Anthony Joshua, Nonito Donaire and Bam Rodriguez.

Speaking to ESNEWS, Garcia made no mistake in backing Barrios to prevail against Pacquiao, claiming the ‘younger’ fighter will have the edge over the veteran ‘Pac-Man’.

“I gotta go with Barrios, he’s young, he’s the champion, Pacquiao’s what like [46] already? At that age, that’s too much, that’s like me getting in the ring. I can’t I’m 49.”

Pacquiao has reignited that iconic partnership with legendary coach Freddie Roach, who worked with the Filipino icon in 34 of his fights over a 16-year period before their relationship went sour back in 2018.

As for Barrios, the 30-year-old from Texas will be making just the second defence of his WBC crown, after his maiden defence against Abel Ramos ended in a split decision draw last November.