After the bout, Barrios shared his thoughts on Pacquiao's punching power. In an interview with Fight Hub TV, the WBC welterweight champion said:
"Pacquiao could definitely crack. That old man is strong."
Barrios doesn't usually compare his opponents' power, but he made an exception this time. He contrasted Pacquiao's strength with that of Gervonta Davis, who stopped Barrios in the 11th round of their June 2021 fight.
"Davis can definitely crack. It was one of the few fights where I've touched the canvas."
The fight result raised eyebrows among fans and analysts. Many felt Pacquiao, the eight-division world champion, had done enough to win. Barrios, who previously held the WBA super-lightweight title from 2019 to 2021, managed to keep his belt in a closely contested match.
The fight's outcome has sparked discussions about a potential rematch, though nothing has been confirmed yet.
Meanwhile, Davis, the current WBA lightweight champion, is set for a rematch with Lamont Roach Jr. Their first fight in March ended in a controversial split decision draw.