Team Pacquiao told: Think again

LAS VEGAS – Mario Barrios’ chief trainer said Team Pacquiao is mistaken by saying the reigning champion from San Antonio in Texas does not carry a solid punch in his arsenal.

Word must have reached Bob Santos that Pacquiao’s camp said that Barrios is “not a big puncher” and that he is an “easier fight” than the others before him.

“Barrios is a damn big puncher,” Santos told boxingscene.com.

With 19 knockouts under his belt, and a ring record of 29-2-1, the 30-year-old Barrios, who stands close to six feet, can put any man down.

On any given day.

“We’re going to start with a hot and heavy jab and force him (Pacquiao) to come to us. When he tastes Barrios’ punching power, he’s going to realize it’s a little bit different than even when he was in there with (Antonio) Margarito,” Santos added.

Barrios showed up for the official weigh-in at 146.2 pounds, even lighter than Pacquiao, three or four inches shorter, at 146.8.

Santos said Barrios will climb the ring Saturday bigger, heavier and stronger than Pacquiao could ever imagine.

“People don’t realize Mario’s bigger than Margarito. When he walks in the ring, he’ll be a very big guy with no hydration clause,” Santos assured.

“This is a gladiator sport. When you sign the contract, you know what you sign up for,” added Santos.

He said he knows Pacquiao well, having brought his boxer, Robert Guerrero, to many sparring sessions with Pacquiao years ago.

It’s Pacquiao, he hinted, who’s clueless on whom he’s up against.