I never thought I would be doing this again for Manny Pacquiao. But I’m not complaining guys. Here are three possible scenarios that could play out today. Enjoy!
FIRST. Manny comes out firing on all cylinders as if he never left. He unleashes fast combinations and has Barrios befuddled. In the second round, a straight left lands flush and bloodies Barrios’ nose.
In the third, the Mexican champion shows he is no pushover and lands an overhand right that staggers Manny.
Both fighters settle down in the middle rounds with Manny darting in and landing left hands while Barrios hunts him down landing jabs that don’t really do too much damage.
Manny gets his second wind in the 8th round and he once again flashes the old brilliance. He pummels Barrios in the corner and has the crowd on its feet.
The last three rounds are too close to call, but as the bell rings to end the fight with both men on their feet, the clear winner is Manny and the verdict confirms this via unanimous decision.
SECOND. Both fighters start out slow, seeming to feel each other out. Manny dusts the fistic cobwebs and guns the engine right about the third round as his forays become more and more aggressive.
He lands several left straights, but Barrios came prepared. He counters with hard right hands that stops Manny in his tracks.
Manny slows down in the middle rounds as Barrios comes forward bringing the fight. Most of the rounds are give and take affairs, but you can see the Pacman slowing down.
Sensing the older fighter’s legs giving out, Barrios steps up the attack in the 8th round. The Pacman fights back bravely but you get the sense that he is being hurt by the younger man’s blows and his punch resistance is not there anymore.
The final round is one for the ages as both men give it their all. The fight ends as both men embrace. The judges give Barrios a close, but unanimous decision verdict and the crowd applauds Manny as he (once again) announces his retirement.
THIRD. Barrios comes storming out of the gates in the first two rounds as he brings the fight to the aging legend intending to catch him cold. He has some success as he lands a couple of rights that jar Manny and stop him in his tracks.
But Manny has seen it all and he’s been in there against much tougher competition. He takes the punches well and it seems like the 4-year hiatus has in fact allowed his body to heal and rest.
By the middle rounds, he is firing back effectively and takes over the fight. In the 8th round, he lands a right hook that knocks Barrios down. He seemed more surprised than hurt but as he gets up, Manny is on him like a shark drawn to the crimson whimper of a wounded prey. Another flurry results in a knockdown, but this time Barrios is saved by the bell.
In the ninth round, Barrios exhibits remarkable recuperative powers owing to his youth and excellent conditioning and stands his ground.
Unfortunately for him, he falls right into the Pacman’s snare as Manny loves it when opponents stand in front of him.
He unleashes a flurry of vicious combinations and Barrios finally succumbs. He is left unable to defend himself as Manny mauls him in the corner, prompting the referee to step in and call for the denouement of the fight. Manny by 9th round stoppage.
LAST ROUNDS. Are on two U.S.A. -based dear friends who are in town, Serge Rocamora and Roel Iway. Just like Manny, these guys still bring it. Cheers!