TGB Promotions President Tom Brown (C) looks on as Manny Pacquiao (L) and WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios (R) face off during their news conference at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on July 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Barrios is scheduled to defend his title against Pacquiao, who announced he was coming out of retirement nearly four years after his last fight, on July 19 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP
LAS VEGAS–As far as trainer Buboy Fernandez is concerned, an early knockout looms when Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring on Saturday at MGM Grand here.
Fernandez predicts things won’t be looking good for Barrios as he predicts a quick end against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
READ: Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios: ‘Real fight, all-out war’
“First three rounds? There’s going to be a knockout, we’re going home early,” Fernandez said in Filipino on Wednesday.
Fernandez said the bout could be over the moment Pacquiao’s left hand lands definitively on Barrios.
Barrios’ trainer Bob Santos said his prized ward is ready to go all out from the opening bell and test if a 46-year-old Pacquiao is still up to the task.
READ: Big question: Can Manny Pacquiao still fight–and win–at 46?
“I’m trying to test everything on fight night. Whether he can still keep up at this level. I believe I’m in my prime right now,” said Barrios, who is 16 years younger than the eight-division champion.
“I’m preparing for 12 rounds of nonstop action because I know the style that he brings. I’m looking to test him in every way on Saturday.”
But Barrios could be falling into the trap with him planning to engage in a back-and-forth slugfest rather than to keep his distance and use his range to his advantage.
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Fernandez warned not to be fooled by Pacquiao’s age.
“Don’t count his age of 46, count his punches.”
