A former opponent of Manny Pacquiao understands why the Filipino icon will wind up as the heavy underdog when he enters the ring to challenge defending champion Mario “El Azteca,” Barrios for the World Boxing Council welterweight crown on 19 July at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Not only is Barrios younger by 16 years at 30.

The American also holds a six-inch height advantage and a four-inch edge in reach not to mention that he has been far more active the last four years.

But Chris Algieri swears that Pacquiao, who will be fighting for the first time since losing to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021, is somebody one shouldn’t look past.

Algieri lost to Pacquiao in a knockdown-filled 12-rounder held in November 2014 at the Cotai Arena in Macau.

“Manny Pacquiao will likely be the heavy underdog in his July title challenge against Mario Barrios. Four years off and fighting a MUCH younger Champion. But, if anyone can go back to the well and pull off one more spectacular performance, it’s the PACMAN! You can never truly count out Manny Pacquiao,” said Algieri, now 41 and inactive since 2021.

Bookmakers have installed Barrios at -300 ($300 wins $100) and Pacquiao +250 ($100 wins $250), figures that reflect the boxing world’s overall view of next month’s big event on the Strip.

Algieri’s pro-Pacquiao remarks are rare these days given the observations made by experts citing not just the Hall of Famer’s age and long layoff but Barrios being too young and too sharp for someone who is making a comeback.

Still, Pacquiao’s team is unperturbed.

For one, Barrios’ attacking style is said to be custom-made for the ultra-aggressive Filipino southpaw, who will be fighting for the 73rd time since turning professional in January 1995 when Barrios was four months from being born.

Holding a 62-8-2 win-loss-draw mark with 39 knockouts, Pacquiao last tasted victory five years ago when he outpointed erstwhile undefeated Keith Thurman.

Barrios, a native of San Antonio, Texas, sports a 29-2-1 slate with 18 knockouts.

His parents are Mexicans, making this clash with Pacquiao appealing to those who value the storied Filipino vs Mexico ring rivalry.

Next month’s showdown with Barrios will be Pacquiao’s 16th time at the MGM Grand where he has logged a record of 10-4-1 with four knockouts.