When Mario Barrios stepped into the ring with two of boxing’s biggest names, Gervonta Davis and Manny Pacquiao, he wasn’t just fighting for victory he was measuring greatness. In a rare glimpse behind the scenes, Barrios recently opened up about the raw punching power of both fighters. And according to him, the difference was felt almost instantly.
It’s not every day that a boxer gets to compare the ferocity of two generations of champions. But Barrios, having faced both men in high-stakes battles, is uniquely positioned to offer insight into what it really feels like to absorb punches from legends. His take? There was a moment in the very first round that told him everything he needed to know.
Barrios’ Candid Take on Gervonta Davis’s Explosive Power
In 2021, Mario Barrios faced Gervonta “Tank” Davis in a thrilling showdown at 140 pounds. From the outside, fans were focused on Davis’ climb up in weight. But Barrios, standing across the ring, had to contend with more than size. He had to deal with pure power.
“Tank’s power is real,” Barrios admitted. “I felt it early, and it wasn’t just one punch. It was every shot that made me think.”
Barrios managed to go deep into the fight before Davis stopped him in the 11th round, but the accumulation of damage told the story. Davis, despite being smaller on paper, carried knockout energy with every punch. And for Barrios, the physical toll became evident long before the final bell.
The First-Round Shock Against Manny Pacquiao
Barrios’ fight with Manny Pacquiao came under very different circumstances. The eight-division world champion was older, returning from retirement, and stepping into a welterweight clash with Barrios, who himself was adjusting after a tough loss.
But none of that mattered once the bell rang.
“With Manny, I realized it right away in the first round,” Barrios said. “The speed, the angles, but also the sting in the punches it caught me off guard. I didn’t expect that kind of pop.”
Pacquiao may not have had the knockout ratio of Tank Davis in recent years, but the explosiveness of his attacks made Barrios respect every exchange. His ability to land sharp, compact shots in bursts was more than just flashy it was painful.
Comparing Styles: Power vs. Pressure
While both fighters are known for their offensive brilliance, Barrios pointed out that the delivery of power between the two was very different.
Davis, he said, fights with a coiled energy, always waiting to explode with a single shot. “You always know something big is coming,” Barrios explained. “It’s just a matter of when.”
Pacquiao, on the other hand, overwhelms with sheer volume and unpredictability. “His power doesn’t come from brute force. It comes from timing and catching you off balance.”
For Barrios, the challenge wasn’t just the punches, but figuring out where they were coming from. Pacquiao’s signature footwork and rhythm changes added a layer of danger that kept him guessing throughout.
The Weight Factor Does Size Change the Equation?
Gervonta Davis is known for knocking out opponents across multiple weight divisions. That includes Barrios at 140 pounds, where Davis wasn’t even considered a natural fit. So how does power translate across divisions?
Barrios weighed in on this with perspective:
“Tank carried his power up, no doubt. But Pacquiao did it across eight divisions, and it still felt like a middleweight hitting you sometimes.”
That comparison isn’t just about brute strength. It’s about the way each fighter made their power count. Davis often loads up on single, destructive shots. Pacquiao’s accumulation of sharp punches creates an entirely different kind of wear.
Experience vs. Explosion Who Was More Dangerous?
In raw power, Barrios gave a slight edge to Davis. The shots from Tank were more jarring, he said, more thudding. But when it came to who posed more overall danger, Pacquiao’s unpredictability edged it out.
“You can brace for Tank’s left hook. You can plan for it. But with Manny, it’s like trying to dodge rain. The shots come from everywhere.”
That element of surprise, mixed with Pacquiao’s volume, made him feel more exhausting to face. Barrios noted that both fights were tough in their own right, but Pacquiao made every round feel like a chess match in motion.
Behind the Scenes Training Camps and Mental Warfare
Preparation for each opponent was drastically different. With Davis, the team focused on protecting against that left hand, building a strategy around avoiding big shots and staying at range.
Against Pacquiao, the approach was more about conditioning and rhythm. “With Manny, it’s not just physical. It’s mental,” Barrios recalled. “You have to stay sharp for every second. One mistake, and he’s in and out before you can reset.”
That constant pressure wore on Barrios as the rounds went on. Even between rounds, he felt the mental fatigue of having to anticipate Pacquiao’s movement and volume.
What This Means for a Potential Davis vs. Pacquiao Matchup
The buzz around a potential Gervonta Davis vs Manny Pacquiao super fight has never fully died down. Although Pacquiao is semi-retired and focused on exhibitions and politics, the boxing world still dreams.
If it ever happened, what would it look like?
Barrios’ unique insight suggests it would be a clash of styles more than anything else. Davis brings youth and explosiveness. Pacquiao brings experience, rhythm, and ring IQ.
“It would come down to who can impose their style first,” Barrios suggested. “If Tank gets comfortable, he lands that one big shot. But if Manny starts moving and throwing, it could get away from Tank fast.”
Legacy and Longevity The Final Comparison
Barrios didn’t downplay the greatness of either fighter. But he pointed to longevity as a key separator.
Pacquiao, having fought and won at elite levels for over two decades, built a resume that spans generations. Davis, still in his prime, is carving out his legacy with undefeated dominance and highlight-reel knockouts.
“They’re both great, but in different ways,” Barrios concluded. “Fighting them made me a better boxer. And honestly, it made me appreciate the sport even more.”
FAQs
How does Gervonta Davis’s power compare to Manny Pacquiao’s?
According to Mario Barrios, Davis has more raw, thudding power, while Pacquiao’s punches come faster and with sharper angles. Both are dangerous, but in different ways.
Did Mario Barrios fight both Davis and Pacquiao?
Yes, Barrios fought Gervonta Davis in 2021 and Manny Pacquiao in a later bout. His experiences with both give him a unique perspective on their fighting styles and power.
Who hits harder: Pacquiao or Davis?
Barrios suggests Davis hits harder in a single punch, but Pacquiao’s volume and speed make his power just as impactful over time.
Is there still a chance for a Davis vs Pacquiao fight?
While unlikely, especially given Pacquiao’s age and semi-retirement, the fight remains a dream match-up among fans and insiders.
What weight did Barrios fight Davis and Pacquiao at?
Barrios faced Davis at super lightweight (140 lbs) and Pacquiao at welterweight (147 lbs), making his comparisons across weight classes particularly valuable.
Conclusion
In the end, comparing Gervonta Davis vs Manny Pacquiao power isn’t just about who hits harder it’s about the kind of challenge each fighter brings to the ring. Mario Barrios, having survived both encounters, offers the rarest kind of boxing insight: one forged in pain, precision, and experience. Both Davis and Pacquiao have etched their names into boxing history. And thanks to fighters like Barrios sharing their stories, fans gain a deeper appreciation for what separates great from legendary.
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