The guys at TigerBoxing give you their pick for Pacquiao vs. Barrera along with analysis? You might be surprised by some of the comments?
Ian Palmer says:
I was talking to a lady from the Philippines the other day and she was telling me how Manny Pacquiao?s rags to riches story was an inspiration to all, and without really giving it any thought, I said I hope he does well. But, then I got to thinking how much I admire Barrera as well, and from a neutral standpoint, I think this? fight?s really hard to pick, as are most world class bouts these days. Of course, this fight could go either way, but I think Barrera may be more focused here as he really feels he has a point to prove after being stopped by Pacquiao in the first bout. I really think the only way to beat Pacquiao is to make him feel your power. You don?t necessarily have to knock him out but you need to jolt him from time to time or else he?s just going to swarm, and walk through you. I don?t want to get too analytical here, but I?ll say if Barrera brings his A-game on Saturday night, I see him winning on points or a late stoppage.
Barrera Wins
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Tim Hocking says:
For me, this one seems easy. Pacquiao destroyed Barrera in 2003 and I just don?t see this outcome being much different. The only two things that have changed are Pacman developing into an even more dangerous fighter and Barrera getting 4 years older. I understand that Mexican pride has the potential to keep Barrera along at least as long as in 2003, but I doubt it.
Pacquiao TKO 8
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David Benavides says:
I think Barrera badly underestimated Pacquiao?s aggression and power in their first fight. Don?t expect that this time around. Barrera is an extremely smart and skillful fighter, though he is definitely in the twilight of his career. I see this as more of a tactical war than a brawl, which favors Barrera. Not many are given the savvy veteran much of a chance. I think Barrera jabs his way to a close decision in an intense battle.
Barrera split decision
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Andres De Los Reyes says:
Manny Pacquiao is not the fighter he was when he soundly defeated Barrera. He is by far a better fighter now than the one-punch power hitter he was in their first encounter. Barrera is also not the fighter he was when he faced Pacquiao. However, this is not for the better in Barrera?s case, and this is not simply due to age. Barrera cannot handle combination punching anymore and the two-fisted Pacquiao attack will put far more hurt on him than Juan Manuel Marquez ever could. Look for an exciting fight while it lasts, with Pacquiao overwhelming Barrera with speed and combination punching sometime in the middle rounds.
Pacquiao by TKO
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Justin Hackman says:
Defying all apparent logic, there is a voice inside my head hinting at what lies under the radar. The voice makes its case for a Barrera victory. Manny?s ever-increasing lack of focus and determination, combined with Barrera?s pride and thirst for revenge makes him a very dangerous foe. While Pacquiao has the physical tools to take out Barrera as seen four years ago, Barrera has the smarts and experience to adjust accordingly as we saw in his rematch with Juarez. While some say Barrera is done, I say he is still one of the best in the game coming off a very close, hard-fought decision loss to one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, Juan Manuel Marquez; there is no shame in that. Meanwhile, Manny Pacquiao has the proverbial suitcase full of cash sitting in front of him lighting up his eyes like dollar signs. Whether it is signing record labels, acting in movies, or running for office, Manny Pacquiao is distracted. That very well may catch up to him this Saturday as he goes in against one of the most focused and confident fighters in the sport.
Barrera UD 12
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Christopher Roche says:
I have a strange and very unpopular feeling that Marco-Antonio Barrera will rise to the occasion and defeat Manny Pacquiao. I recently watched Holyfield-Bowe III, and I guess that replay got me feeling nostalgic about trilogies, and Evander won the second edition. I think Barrera will feel the pressure and step up to it, and I think he wins by a late stoppage or a decision. If he does, then the table could be set for a great trilogy, but if not, both men will walk away with their heads held high as giants of the sport.
Barrera Wins
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Rory Dowd says:
As a journalist, I?m not supposed to have favorite boxers?but much like the crew at HBO, I have a soft spot for the Baby Faced Assassin (I, unlike most people scored the Marquez fight for MAB. As much as I want him to win, I have a feeling Manny Pacquiao is too strong, young and aggressive for the 18- year vet. Still, because I just can?t bear to pick against him I think Barrera can use the plans laid out in the Marquez draw and Morales victory to keep the distracted Pacquiao at the end of his jab.
Give me Barrera, split decision in 12.
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Russ Wagg says:
I wouldn?t be surprised if this was Barrera?s last fight. The old adage of ?when a fighter gets knocked out by an opponent, if they meet again it will be the same result, just faster? Pacquiao might have some distractions in his life but Barrera is too old and worn to take advantage of it.
Pacquiao by mid round KO
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Eddie Velez says:
Barrera?s nine lives will come to an end Saturday night. We will watch as an old warrior takes a final beating and quits on his stool in the 7th round. Since there first fight Pacquiao has gotten better while Barrera has not. Barrera will be competitive in the first two rounds after that it will be D?j? vu all over again. The Pac-Man will kick the fight into 5th gear and take Barrera apart piece by piece. Like many old warriors before him, Barrera will do the unthinkable and quit on his stool. That action will trigger a mini-earthquake as 70 million Filipino?s jump up and down celebrating in the Philippines.
Pacquiao by TKO
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Rolando Becerra says:
This fight will end faster and much more vicious than their first fight. Unfortunately for Barrera his brother won?t be able to waive this one off before he gets completely KOd. Pacquiao remains the younger, faster, stronger fighter of the two men. But recently he has shown a two fisted attack instead of the one handed buzz saw that he was when he initially demolished Barrera. Greater in every aspect at this stage of their careers it should be interesting while it lasts.
Pacquiao in 5
