LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Manny Pacquiao’s highly anticipated return to the boxing ring at 46 years old concluded with a draw against defending WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on Saturday. The outcome, which saw Barrios retain his title, left many in the MGM Grand Garden Arena with a subdued reaction after a hard-fought contest.
Barrios, 30, managed to keep his belt despite several rounds where he appeared to be outmaneuvered by Pacquiao, who was making his comeback after a four-year retirement.
The judges’ scorecards reflected the closely contested bout, with one judge scoring it 115-113 for Barrios, while the other two scored it an even 114-114.
Throughout the fight, Pacquiao showcased flashes of his legendary form, utilizing his extensive experience and guile to frustrate Barrios. There were moments when it seemed the Filipino icon was on the verge of adding another improbable chapter to his remarkable 30-year professional career.
However, Barrios mounted a strong rally in the final three rounds, winning them on all three scorecards, which ultimately secured him the draw and allowed him to retain his championship.
“I thought I won the fight,” Pacquiao stated after the bout. “I mean, it was a close fight. My opponent was very tough. But it was a wonderful fight. I was trying to find a way to finish the fight but my opponent was so tough. He threw punches in combination and with defense, so it was hard.”
Barrios, acknowledging the competitive nature of the fight, felt the draw was a fair result. “I thought I pulled it out,” Barrios commented. “But I still tip my hat to Manny. It was an honor to share the ring with him, somebody with so much experience who has accomplished so much in this sport. We left everything in the ring, nothing but love and respect.”
Barrios expressed admiration for Pacquiao’s enduring stamina and skill. “That’s crazy – his stamina, he can still crack and he’s still strong as hell. His timing, his rhythm, everything. He was still a very awkward fighter to figure out,” he remarked.
Barrios also revealed that he was aware of the need to increase his output in the later rounds to secure the outcome. “I knew I had to step it up to try to and solidify a win,” Barrios said, adding, “I was really pressing him, trying to make him feel old. But he has some good legs — a lot of the tank and a lot of fight left in him.”
Both fighters expressed openness to a rematch. When asked about continuing his career and facing Barrios again, Pacquiao replied, “Of course, of course. That’s the only legacy that I can leave behind — to give inspiration to the Filipino people and to be proud wherever you are.” Barrios reciprocated the sentiment, stating in a ring interview, “I would love to do it again.”
Despite being considered a heavy underdog against the taller, rangier Texan, Pacquiao, whose last victory was in 2019, showed minimal signs of being troubled for much of the fight. The eight-division champion, beloved by many, consistently appeared to be the more active fighter in the early and middle rounds, landing crisp combinations in flurries.
Barrios, in contrast, seemed hesitant initially, reluctant to engage in toe-to-toe exchanges with the seasoned Filipino. However, despite Pacquiao’s masterful performance, he was unable to significantly hurt Barrios, who effectively regrouped in the later rounds, connecting with crucial jabs to secure the draw.
