Badass Barrios

Mario Barrios feels the Manny Pacquiao who’s going to show up on 19 July in Las Vegas is the fighter of old: Fast and furious.

“Manny’s still Manny. He’s a legend for a reason,” Barrios said in an article that came out on boxingscene.com.

“I’m preparing as if I’m fighting a prime Manny. It’s my job to go in there and defend my title. I’m expecting one of the best versions of Manny. It’s another step in my career to reach for those big fights — with a name like Manny on my resume.”

Barrios will be staking his World Boxing Council welterweight crown at the MGM Grand with the intent of messing up the Filipino eight-division legend’s game plan.

“That’s the main thing: Go in there and not let him get his rhythm going,” Barrios said.

“I’m not going to take rounds off; (I’ll) work on our game plan.”

Barrios, who is six inches taller at six feet, insists that he won’t be holding back his punches.

“He’s not going to feel sorry for me in there. He wanted this fight. OK, man, it’ll be an honor to step in there against a legend. But I’m going in there defending my title. Any other fighter in my division would be happy to get this fight. I need to do what I do best.”

Pacquiao, 46, older by 16 years, hasn’t fought since being upset by Yordenis Ugas of Cuba.

But his latest workouts have generated confidence among his followers, who swear that he is determined to turn back the hands of time.

Barrios believes that’s not going to happen.

“Yeah, he asked for this fight. He felt my style was perfect for him, but I think he’s in for a rude awakening on fight day. I can’t wait for everyone to see that.”

Last time Pacquiao tasted victory in the ring was in July 2019 against Keith Thurman, who he knocked down in the first round and went on to beat via a split decision.

Despite Barrios’ pronounced advantages in height and youth, Pacquiao stays upbeat, noting that he has a ton of experience behind him.