Las Vegas – Manny Pacquiao, 46, watched a lot Better in his fight with Mario Barrios on Saturday than there was four years ago when he lost against Yordenis Ugas. Unfortunately, it was not enough for Pacquiao to beat his record as the oldest fighter to win a world of Welter world title, while the fight ended with a disappointing draw.
Whatever the result, Pacquiao challenged the chances by being competitive with a 16 -year -old champion less than him and by showing part of the explosiveness and speed that made him a world champion of eight divisions and one of the biggest sports stars. A greater importance is that Pacquiao said it would not be his last fight.
“Don’t worry, the Pacman is back and the trip will continue,” said Pacquiao at the post-combat press conference.
And if he fights again, who should he then face? Barrios and Pacquiao agreed after the fight that there should soon be a revenge match, but that’s what fans Really to want?
Watching the temple of renown in action may have been exciting, but once the novelty dissipated, it was not quite the type of barnburner which would justify a return from the idea that Pacquiao obtains another attempt to make history.
Instead, these were two landing fighters with a low clip with Pacquiao landing 101 of the 577 total punches (17.5%) and Barrios closely surpassing his older opponent 120-658 (18.2%). For this version of Pacquiao, it was a great performance after four years of sport. However, the Pacquiao a decade ago would probably have had few problems with Barrios.
The reality is that Barrios presented the clearest path for Pacquiao to win a world championship, and he could not succeed. Although some observers thought he had won the fight (ESPN had won Pacquiao 115-113). However, there are larger and better fights for the Philippine sensation in addition to the barrios.
“I don’t want to say that average, but F — Mario Barrios,” said Pacquiao manager Sean Gibbons after the fight. “He’s a nice guy and I like the kid, but Manny deserves a bigger name. There are fighters like Gervonta” Tank “Davis and (Rolando)” Rolly “Romero there”.
Davis’ fight seems to be a long -term shot due to “tank” in a lower weight category (135 pounds), although this is a massive and fairly dangerous fight for Pacquiao. But a fight with Romero certainly feels both winning and realistic for Pacquiao.
Romero is the “regular” WBA champion and launched an astonishing victory over Ryan Garcia in May. Romero does not have a next clear opponent, and he will be raised as a full champion once Jaron “Boots” Ennis officially hosts his title and passes up to 154 pounds. It is a less dangerous option than the winner of the November fight between the WBO champion Brian Norman Jr. and the former undisputed champion of light weights Devin Haney. The two are young, strong and would present important problems for an older pacquiao.
Pacquiao is interested in fighting again at the end of the year, so a fight with Romero aligns perfectly.
In the end, the decision will be taken from Pacquiao. Romero has heavy hands but lacks legs of legs and defense. He leads a wave of visibility and would almost certainly sell the fight in a way that Barrios could not. The fight itself would be full of action with Romero trying to hit a home run on a legend and Pacquiao launches with combinations.
This is either it or shooting Floyd Mayweather from retirement for a revenge match.
Don’t laugh because Pacquiao died seriously.
“If (Mayweather) leaves the retirement and signs the contract, we will fight,” said Pacquiao. “Let’s work again if he wants. I’m active now.”
Boxing fans may not want this revenge match, but it is a viable option in a world where Jake Paul fought Mike Tyson and has achieved massive audience numbers.
But until Mayweather officially announces that he is back, let’s respect what is realistic for Pacquiao: Rolando “Rolly” Romero.
