Pacquiao can win—even by KO, says former foe Sugar Shane Mosley

Many were surprised when Manny Pacquiao officially announced his return from retirement to challenge World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

This bout will be Pacquiao's first in four years, and at 46 years old, he faces a significant challenge: Barrios, who is 16 years younger and stands six inches taller than the 5-foot-6 Filipino legend.

However, "Sugar" Shane Mosley—a fellow boxing great and former opponent who recently joined Pacquiao's training camp in Los Angeles—believes Pacquiao can emerge victorious at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 19. Mosley, who lost to Pacquiao by unanimous decision in 2011 while defending his WBO welterweight title, noted that Pacquiao is in great shape both physically and mentally.

In another interview with FightHype, Mosley even suggested that there’s a chance Pacquiao could win by knockout (KO), particularly if Barrios chooses to stand and engage at close range.

“It’s possible for Pacquiao to win via KO because if Barrios stands in front of him and Manny doesn’t have to chase him, it could pose a problem for Barrios,” Mosley explained.

Drawing from his own experience, Mosley warned that it would be a mistake for Barrios to stay in front of the legendary fighter—especially with Pacquiao’s recent induction into the Boxing Hall of Fame.

“I know from experience that it’s a bad mistake,” he added.

Pacquiao’s professional record stands at 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, with 39 knockouts. Meanwhile, Barrios holds a record of 29 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with 18 knockouts.

Should Pacquiao defeat Barrios, he will become the oldest welterweight champion in history, breaking his own record set in 2019, when—at age 40—he defeated Keith Thurman to claim the WBA welterweight title.