Mario Barrios has compared the punching power of former rival’s Manny Pacquiao and Gervonta Davis.
Rumours have began circulating about a potential match-up taking place between Pacquiao and Davis, after the Filipino icon made a sensational return to the ring against WBC welterweight champion Barrios last month.
Pacquiao put on an impressive display against ‘El Azteca’ but ultimately fell short on the night as the fight was declared a majority decision draw, with two out of the three judges scoring the contest 114-114 even.
Barrios faced ‘Tank’ Davis whilst he was still campaigning at super-lightweight, suffering an 11th round stoppage defeat to his fellow countryman when they clashed for the WBA Regular 140lb title back in the summer of 2021.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Barrios was asked to compare the power of Pacquiao and Davis, where he claims both of his former opponents ‘could crack’.
“I don’t compare power like a lot. Pacquiao could definitely crack, you know, ‘Tank’ can definitely crack, you know, it’s one of the few fights where I’ve touched the canvas. But yeah that old man is strong.”
It had originally been speculated that Pacquiao and Barrios could face each other in a rematch next, but Pacquiao’s manager Sean Gibbons has now confirmed that they intend to go down a different route ahead and are targeting either a clash against ‘Tank’ or WBA welterweight champion Rolando Romero.
“F–k Mario Barrios. Who the f–k wants to see him? Manny Pacquiao beat Mario Barrios. F–k Mario Barrios. Not in a bad way, I like him, but f–k him. Manny Pacquiao beat Mario Barrios. Why should he, why does he need to fight him again? You know, if Manny wants to continue fighting, there’s fighters like Rolly Romero, there’s fighters like Gervonta Davis.”
Davis had been in line to face Lamont Roach Jr once again after their first encounter back in March ended in a controversial draw, although these plans appear to have been put on the back-burner.
