Pacquiao and Barrios finish fight in draw

Manny Pacquiao's return to the ring ended in a draw against Mario Barrios for the WBC title.

Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios battle to majority draw

In a closely contested match, Manny Pacquiao fought Mario Barrios to a majority draw at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. With this result, Barrios retained his WBC welterweight title. One judge gave Barrios a 115-113 victory while the other two judges scored it 114-114. Pacquiao, wanting to reclaim his title as the oldest welterweight champion, expressed his belief that he deserved to win. Despite landing fewer overall punches, he dominated early on but faced a late surge from Barrios. The 46-year-old boxer acknowledged his need for more training after his recent senatorial campaign halted his preparations. Both fighters showed interest in a rematch after the thrilling showdown.

This match underlines the remarkable resilience of Manny Pacquiao despite his age. It also highlights the evolving landscape of boxing, where younger fighters like Mario Barrios can challenge legends. The draw leaves room for future matchups, potentially reigniting interest in the sport. Pacquiao's ambition to continue fighting raises questions about legacy and longevity in a sport that often favors youth. Both boxers show that even small margins can lead to significant outcomes in professional sports.

Highlights

The prospect of a rematch keeps the excitement alive in boxing's welterweight division.