Mario Barrios likened Manny Pacquiao’s punching energy to that of Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis in a shocking recognition of his rival’s efforts.
The 46-year-old narrowly missed out on snatching Barrios’ WBC welterweight crown after their bout resulted in a controversial draw.
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Two of the judges scored the bout 114-114 whereas one awarded it 115-113 in Barrios’ favour, that means the defending champ retained his title.
Whatever the scorecards, it was an exceptional effort from the 46-year-old given it was his first combat in 4 years.
However talking after the bout, Barrios erased any claims of ring rust for Pacquiao as he paid complement to the load behind his rival’s strikes.
“I don’t examine energy like lots,” Barrios stated.
“Pacquiao can positively crack, Tank can positively crack — it’s one of many few fights the place I’ve touched the canvas.
“However, yeah, that outdated man is powerful as f***.
“As quickly as he and I began like letting his punches go, he was strong.”
Barrios’ comparability of Pacquiao’s punching energy to that of ‘Tank’ is an almighty praise given 28 of the latter’s 30 wins have come by way of stoppage.
It stays to be seen the place Pacquiao goes from right here, having fallen wanting historical past.
Had the Filipino icon have received, he would have been the primary energetic member of boxing’s Corridor of Fame to have received a world title.
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As an alternative, he was left to ponder what might have been.
Pacquiao’s devastation in defeat was evident as he lower a despondent determine in his post-fight interview.
“I assumed I received the combat,” Pacquiao stated.
“It was a detailed combat. My opponent was very robust. It was an exquisite combat.
When requested if he’d prefer to run it again with Barrios to discover a decisive winner, Pacquiao stated: “Sure, in fact.”
Ought to a rematch be booked, Pacquiao will hope to get pleasure from an extended combat camp than he did for this bout.
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“I solely had two months’ coaching,” Pacquaio stated.
“What I have to do is proceed my coaching. In a championship combat like this, I ought to practice 4 months, three months and-a-half.
“However due to the election within the Philippines, I begin late for my coaching, nevertheless it’s OK. I like the Filipino individuals and I like to provide honour to my nation.”