Mario Barrios is set to defend his WBC welterweight title against former champion Manny Pacquiao in a highly anticipated 12-round match on Saturday, starting at approximately 8 p.m. ET from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Barrios comes into this fight following a split decision draw with Abel Ramos in November. Conversely, Pacquiao returns to the ring after nearly four years since his unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas for the WBA (Super) welterweight title back on August 21, 2021.
Barrios is listed as a -275 favorite (which means you must wager $275 to win $100), while Pacquiao’s odds are set at +210. The betting line indicates the over/under for the number of rounds at 10.5, with the Over being favored at -140 and the Under at +105. There’s also a -125 line for the fight not going the distance. The favored outcome for a Barrios win is by KO/TKO/DQ at +135.
Prior to placing any bets on the Pacquiao vs. Barrios fight, check out the predictions from SportsLine’s Josh Nagel.
Why You Should Bet on Barrios
At just 30, Barrios has held the WBC welterweight title since 2024 after winning the vacant WBC interim title on September 30, 2023, against Ugas by unanimous decision. His career record stands at 29-2-1, featuring 18 knockouts and 11 decision victories. His only defeats were against Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman in a close one-year span. Nicknamed “Golden Boy,” Barrios has made an impressive mark in the boxing world.
Reasons to Support Pacquiao
The 46-year-old Pacquiao, also known as “Pac Man,” is a historic figure in boxing, being the only fighter to win 12 world titles across eight different weight classes. He received his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame last month, becoming the third Filipino boxer to achieve this honor. His professional journey began in 1995, and throughout his storied career, he has amassed 62 wins, 39 of which came by knockout.
How to Make Your Picks
Nagel recommends taking the Over on 9.5 total rounds, alongside a confident money-line pick and a method-of-victory prop that promises plus-money returns. Explore more of his insights and predictions exclusively at SportsLine.
