Keith Thurman has weighed in on the upcoming clash between Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios.
Pacquiao is set to make a sensational return to the ring when he challenges WBC welterweight champion Barrios on Saturday July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Nevada.
The 46-year-old Filipino great has not fought as a professional since he suffered a shock defeat to former WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas four years ago, going on to announce his retirement from boxing a few months later to focus on his political career.
One man who has experience in facing both Pacquiao and Barrios is former unified welterweight champion Thurman, who defeated Barrios in 2022 having returned from a three year hiatus after he was dethroned of his WBA crown by Pacquiao in the summer of 2019.
Speaking to MillCity Boxing, Thurman gave an honest assessment of Pacquiao’s chances against Barrios, as he claims the extended lay-off for the 46-year-old will play into the hands of Barrios on fight night, but does not complete write off the eight division champion completely.
“Now coming off of another lay-off, I think Mario Barrios can box smart and get the best of him. The dangerous thing is Mario Barrios is there to be hit, you know I caught him, I rocked him, Tank got him with a body shot and you know Pacquiao is still gonna have some clippers you know what I’m saying? So if he clips the chin, if he clips the body right, I think he has an opportunity of hurting Barrios, but not sure what the speed’s going to look like at this time.”
Whilst it could be a step too far for Pacquiao at his age, the 46-year-old could be on the brink of making boxing history as he will break his own record as the oldest world welterweight champion of all time should he prevail against Barrios later this month.
