A world champion who previously became another knockout in Gervonta Davis’s highlight reel seems set to fight a past-his-best legend in a world title defense this year.
Gervonta Davis has a 90% KO rate and has become known as one of the most prolific and explosive power-punchers in the entire sport, let alone the division. Tank’s 16-fight KO streak was broken only by Isaac Cruz.
One man Tank Davis added to his highlight reel in 2021 was previously undefeated Mario Barrios, who is now the WBC welterweight champion after winning the interim title from Yordenis Ugas.
Mario Barrios will fight Manny Pacquiao this summer
Despite losing to Ugas in his last fight in 2021, Manny Pacquiao is set to return to the ring against Barrios for the world title this summer.
Pacquiao is now 46 years old and hasn’t won a fight in six years. His last win was a split decision victory over Keith Thurman, who Pacquiao named his dog after.
Though his age means Pacquiao is likely a clear underdog in the fight, Barrios has also looked disappointing lately, with his latest fight resulting in a draw against Abel Ramos.
Barrios was mentioned by Conor Benn as a fight to make after his loss to Chris Eubank Jr., who may fight Canelo next year.
Barrios has also lost to Thurman in the fight immediately after his KO loss to Davis, who lost to Joet Gonzalez twice as an amateur. Gonzalez was the brother of Shakur Stevenson’s girlfriend.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman said: “Mario Barrios is going to fight Manny Pacquiao in July. That’s a tremendous fight.”
Tim Tszyu’s rematch with Sebastian Fundora seems set for the undercard of the fight.
Manny Pacquiao is one of two fighters to win two world titles 20 years apart
With his win over Thurman in 2019, Pacquiao became one of two boxers to win two world titles 20 or more years apart.
The only other man to have ever done this is the late heavyweight legend, George Foreman.
Pacquiao’s win also made him the oldest welterweight champion in history, a feat he would break again if he were to beat Barrios in their encounter.
The fight has not yet been officially announced, but with confirmation from the WBC President himself, seems sure to go ahead.