Nonito Donaire expressed confidence that Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao can defeat the younger WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in their July 19 fight in Las Vegas.
Despite Barrios being 16 years younger and six inches taller, Donaire believes Pacquiao’s experience as an eight-division world champion gives him a strong chance to win.
Donaire emphasized that Pacquiao’s speed, smart fighting, and use of feints will be crucial, especially given Pacquiao’s age and four-year layoff.
He warned that if Pacquiao doesn’t fight smart, Barrios’ youth and aggression could overwhelm the veteran.
Donaire joins other boxing greats like Sugar Shane Mosley in backing Pacquiao’s ability to claim the welterweight title again and become the oldest champion in the division.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 3, 2025
