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Underdog Manny Pacquiao out to defy odds again vs Mario Barrios

Underdog Manny Pacquiao out to defy odds again vs Mario Barrios

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Manny Pacquiao†poses during†a ceremonial weigh-in at MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 18, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao, who announced he was coming out of retirement nearly four years after his last fight, is scheduled to challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios for his title on July 19 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP

For more Pacquiao vs Barrios stories: The Pacquiao Files

LAS VEGAS–Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios couldn’t care less about what the sports books say.

The only thing that matters for Pacquiao and Barrios is glory in their WBC welterweight world title fight on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at MGM Grand Arena in the entertainment capital here.

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READ: Manny Pacquiao, Mario Barrios make weights for Las Vegas showdown

Barrios was impassive when told about the odds where the defending champion is a -300 favorite against Pacquiao’s +225.

“I wasn’t aware. I don’t really pay attention to the odds. I just put in the work, show up. Regardless of favorite or not, I’m just going to show why I’m the current WBC champion,” said Barrios.

It’s been a while since Pacquiao came into a fight as an underdog.

But at this stage of his career at 46 years old, it’s understandable why many have picked the 30-year-old Barrios, who’s in his physical prime, to win.

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READ: Blistering start, KO finish: How Pacquiao comeback may pan out

Being counted out, however, is nothing new to Pacquiao.

He was a replacement opponent on two weeks’ notice when he stopped South African champion Lehlo Ledwaba in the sixth round to claim the WBC super bantamweight belt.

Pacquiao was listed as a heavy underdog when he sent Oscar De La Hoya into retirement with an eight-round demolition in 2008.

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Many also said Antonio Margarito would be too big of an opponent at light middleweight and Pacquiao delivered a 12-round masterclass on his way to becoming an eight-division champion in 2011.

READ: Pacquiao bigger killer in ring than Mike Tyson, says Barrios trainer

Then in 2019, Pacquiao was told he was too old to beat a younger and bigger undefeated champion in Keith Thurman. Pacquiao, who was 40 at that time, dropped Thurman in the opening round and claimed the WBA crown after a tough 12-round battle.

Pacquiao has defied the odds and silenced his doubters time and again. It doesn’t seem like it’s going to be any different against Barrios.

“That’s fine. There were so many fights where I’m an underdog and I brought some surprises for them,” he said.



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“Manny Pacquiao always brings surprises.”





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