LAS VEGAS — WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios will face eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao in a high-profile boxing match on Saturday, July 20, at a venue in Las Vegas.
Barrios, trained by veteran coach Bob Santos, has prepared extensively for the bout. Santos said he spent several months analyzing Pacquiao’s fighting style and tactics to anticipate his moves in the ring.
“I believe I have a good understanding of what to expect from a Hall-of-Famer like Pacquiao,” Santos said in a media interview this week.
During a recent public appearance, Pacquiao told reporters he has “a few surprises” planned for the fight. Santos responded by acknowledging the unpredictability Pacquiao brings to every match.
Both Barrios and Santos have emphasized the importance of staying ready for unexpected strategies. The team aims to defend the WBC welterweight title against the 45-year-old boxing legend, who returns to the ring after a three-year hiatus.