Mario Barrios is set to defend his WBC welterweight title against former champion Manny Pacquiao in a 12-round fight scheduled for Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, starting at 8pm ET. Barrios remains confident despite a close 12-round split decision win over Abel Ramos last November, while Pacquiao returns to the ring after nearly four years, following a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugás on August 21, 2021, for the WBA (Super) welterweight title.
Barrios comes into the fight as the betting favorite at -275, with Pacquiao positioned at +210 according to DraftKings Sportsbook odds. The over/under rounds line is set at 10.5, with the over priced at -140. Sportsline’s expert boxing analyst Josh Nagel, who has a strong track record of successful fight predictions, offers his insights and picks on the matchup, which are available exclusively on Sportsline.
Barrios, 30, has held the WBC welterweight title since 2024, claiming the vacant interim belt by defeating Ugás via unanimous decision on September 30, 2023. He previously held the WBA regular lightweight title from 2019 to 2021 and won the WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Championship in February 2023 with an eighth-round knockout of Jovanie Santiago. Barrios began his pro career in 2013, amassing a 29-2-1 record with 18 knockouts and only two losses—one by knockout to Gervonta Davis in 2021 and another by unanimous decision to Keith Thurman in 2022.
On the other hand, 46-year-old Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao is a legendary figure in boxing, known for being the only fighter to win 12 world titles across eight different weight classes, including championships in flyweight, featherweight, super featherweight, and light welterweight. Recently inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Pacquiao started his professional career as a teenager in 1995, compiling a record of 62 wins, 8 losses, 2 draws, and 39 knockouts. His storied career and milestone achievements add tremendous significance to his return to the ring.
For betting, Nagel favors the fight lasting more than 9.5 rounds and has confidently picked a money line bet along with a prop bet that offers positive odds. Fans interested in detailed picks and analysis can visit Sportsline for the full breakdown.
Fan Take: This fight is a crucial moment for fans as it marks the return of one of boxing’s all-time greats, Manny Pacquiao, against an accomplished and hungry current champion in Mario Barrios. The outcome could either signal the enduring legacy of a boxing legend or highlight the rise of a new dominant force in the welterweight division, making it a pivotal event for the sport’s future.
