Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios ends in controversial draw

A controversial draw in Manny Pacquiao's return fight against Mario Barrios has sparked debate.

Manny Pacquiao's comeback against Mario Barrios ends in controversy

Manny Pacquiao's highly anticipated comeback fight against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios ended in a controversial majority draw on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Pacquiao, who had not fought in four years, was seen by many as the winner based on scorecards from peers and analysts. Judges scored the match 114-114 from two judges and 115-113 favoring Barrios from the third. This result has left fans and fellow boxers upset, arguing that Pacquiao was robbed of a historic victory that would have made him one of the oldest champions in boxing history. The uproar in the boxing community highlights the continued challenges of judging in the sport.

The outcome of the Pacquiao vs. Barrios fight raises critical concerns about the judging process in boxing. Despite Pacquiao displaying remarkable skill in his return to the ring, the split opinions among judges reveal a potential gap in how fights are scored. The backlash from fans and fellow fighters suggests that many believe the system must undergo reform to ensure fairness. As this situation unfolds, it may spark further discussions on how judging could evolve to avoid such controversies in the future.

Highlights

The reaction to this fight may prompt calls for a review of how boxing is judged.