Pacquiao vs Barrios: Factors of consequence

Manny Pacquiao climbs back into the ring after a four-year layoff in a bid to become the first active International Boxing Hall of Famer to win a world title but WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios stands in the way of achieving the feat.

- JOAQUIN HENSON

The moment of truth happens at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, this morning (Manila time) with Pacquiao a 3-2 underdog against an opponent who wasn't even born when the Filipino ring icon turned pro in 1995.

Here's how the protagonists size up in 10 factors of consequence.

Firepower. Both fighters' KO rate is identical, 62 percent. Barrios has chalked up 18 KOs in 29 wins while Pacquiao, 39 in 62. Pacquiao's one-punch KO power was evident in his demolition of Ricky Hatton. Twice, Barrios decked Yordenis Ugas, the last man to beat Pacquiao. Advantage: Even.

Speed. Pacquiao is quicker with hands and feet. Barrios is slow and flat-footed. Age is supposed to slow down a fighter. Pacquiao is 46 and Barrios, 30. Throughout his camp, Pacquiao displayed the speed that was a trademark in winning his toughest fights. Advantage: Pacquiao.