Mario Barrios is set to defend his WBC welterweight title in a 12-round fight against former champion Manny Pacquiao this Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, with the match starting at 8 pm ET. Barrios is confident following a split decision victory over Abel Ramos last November, while Pacquiao returns to the ring for the first time in nearly four years since losing by unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021 for the WBA (Super) welterweight title.
Barrios is the betting favorite with odds at -275, while Pacquiao stands at +210 according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under for total rounds is set at 10.5, with the over at -140 and the under at +105. Sportsline’s boxing analyst Josh Nagel, known for his accurate fight predictions including recent wins on Dimitry Bivol and Jake Paul, has studied this fight closely and shared his top picks exclusively on Sportsline. Betting promos for DraftKings, FanDuel, and betMGM are also available for new users to maximize value.
Barrios, 30, has held the WBC welterweight title since 2024, clinching the interim title by unanimous decision against Ugas in September 2023. He also held the WBA lightweight title from 2019 to 2021 and captured the WBC Continental Americas Welterweight title in early 2023. Barrios turned pro in 2013, winning his first 26 fights, and holds a record of 29-2-1 with 18 knockouts. His only losses came against Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman.
Pacquiao, 46, famously known as Pac-Man, is the only boxer to win 12 world titles across eight different weight classes and recently entered the International Boxing Hall of Fame as the third Filipino inducted. Starting his professional career at age 15 in 1995, Pacquiao has compiled a record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, with 39 wins by knockout.
Josh Nagel recommends wagering on the fight going over 9.5 rounds, and he has a confident moneyline pick along with a prop bet that could yield positive returns, details of which are available on Sportsline.
For fans keen to find out who will emerge victorious in Barrios vs. Pacquiao and explore the best betting opportunities, Sportsline offers expert insights and recommended wagers from seasoned combat sports analysts who consistently predict winners.
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Fan Take: This fight is pivotal for the sport as it marks the thrilling comeback of a legend, Manny Pacquiao, against a strong, younger champion in Mario Barrios. Fighting fans should watch closely, as this matchup not only tests Pacquiao’s enduring legacy but also highlights the evolving welterweight division, potentially shaping boxing’s next generation of stars.
