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?
Seeing the Pacquiao renowned temple in action could have been exciting, but once the novelty dissipated, it was not quite the type of barnburner which would justify a return outside of the idea that Pacquiao obtains another attempt to make history.
Instead, these were two fighters landing at a low clip, with Pacquiao landing 101 of the 577 punches in total (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 Pacquiao could not succeed. Although some observers felt that he had won the fight. (ESPN won Pacquiao 115-113.) However, there are more important 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 because tank is in a lower weight category (135 pounds), although it would be 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 Lightweight Light Weight Champion 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, Romero trying to hit a home run on a legend and Pacquiao launching 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] A kind of retirement and signs the contract, we will fight, “said Pacquiao.” Let’s beat 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 had massive audience numbers.
But until Mayweather officially announces that he is back, let’s respect what is realistic for Pacquiao: Rolando “Rolly” Romero.
