Terence Crawford believes Manny Pacquiao has every chance of beating Mario Barrios.
Pacquiao, who was once linked with a bout against Crawford, returns to the ring after almost four years to challenge Barrios for his WBC welterweight world title on July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
‘Pacman’ has not fought since a unanimous decision defeat to then-WBA champion, Yordenis Ugas.
The eight-weight world champion has started as a significant underdog, perhaps unsurprisingly given he is 16 years older than his rival at 46-years-old.
Crawford though believes it’s a harder fight to call than people think and has given the Filipino great a huge chance of pulling off an upset.
Asked if he would still be competing at Pacquiao’s age, Crawford told Sporting News Australia: “At 46 I don’t plan on being back in the ring.
“Mario Barrios is a great match-up for Manny Pacquiao.
“I think at this age, I think it’s a 50-50 fight for Manny Pacquiao.”
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Pacquiao arrived in Los Angeles earlier this month to begin training camp for Barrios with long-time coach Freddie Roach.
Crawford is set to make his ring return on September 13, moving up two weight classes to face Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed super middleweight crown.
The showdown was supposed to land at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on September 12, but has been moved to a day later, with a venue still to be confirmed.
Alvarez, 34, has only lost twice in his storied career to Floyd Mayweather Jr and Dmitry Bivol, both on points, however Crawford, who has not fought since dethroning then-WBA super welterweight champion, Israil Madrimov last August, is not ruling out a knockout victory.
“It will do everything for my legacy and my career,” the 37-year-old added.
“I’m looking forward to it.
“Anybody can get hurt.
“Anybody can get knocked out.
“I don’t put it past nobody, but I’m not going in there looking for a knockout.
