MANNY Pacquiao’s long-time strength and conditioning coach Justine Fortune is confidently predicting a victory for the Filipino boxing legend against Mario Barrios for the the latter’s WBC world welterweight crown this Saturday, July 19 (Sunday, July 20, 2025, Philippine time).
Fortune’s optimism isn’t merely born from loyalty. His assessment stems from a meticulous review of Barrios’ past fight footage. “Barrios is a slow starter,” Fortune observed. “So when Manny sets the pace… Pacquiao hits four, five, six punches combination. Every shot hurts,” he said.
The Perth, Australia-born former heavyweight boxer, who is also the chef and owner of Justin Fortune Gym in Hollywood, believes Pacquiao’s ability to dictate the tempo and unleash his signature barrages will be the key to reclaiming the welterweight title.
“Barrios is gonna hit by Pacquiao. That’s why Juan Manuel Marquez and all these guys (Oscar) De La Hoya were saying that Manny wins. Because they–all great Hall of Famers, champions, knows how hard Manny hits.
“And that power changes everything,” added Fortune. “He’s (Barrios) not a big puncher, and Pacquiao is just ridiculously strong. He’s a blessing, a gift.”
Fortune even predicted that the fight set at the MGM Grand Garden Arena won’t go the full 12 rounds with Pacquiao emerging victorious and breaking his record as the oldest welterweight champion.
“Barrios puffs a lot and once you swell and Manny hits you, it opens a cut, and soon the fight has to be stopped.”
According to Fortune, Pacquiao is a throwback fighter while Barrios belongs to the current crop.
“Manny’s generation and the generation before were real fighters. They will give what they have, unlike today. They’re afraid to get hit, they’re afraid to punch. And they punch nowhere near as hard as he does.”
In retrospect, Fortune said Pacquiao, even at 46, belongs to a different level than Barrios, who’s 30 and in his prime.
“We respect Barrios. He’s a world champion, but not so much. We can find a hundred Barrioses. But very hard to find one Manny Pacquiao.”
