Manny Pacquiao, the 46-year-old boxing legend, made a noteworthy return to the ring, facing off against the current WBC welterweight champion, Mario Barrios. This match took place at the iconic MGM Grand in Las Vegas, marking Pacquiao’s first bout after a lengthy four-year hiatus following his retirement from boxing. Despite his age, Pacquiao demonstrated that he still possesses significant skill and endurance, but the fight ultimately concluded with a majority draw, with one judge favoring Barrios, while the other two scored it even.
The scoring of the match revealed the competitive nature of the encounter. One judge scored the bout 115-113 in favor of Barrios, a decision that did not sit well with Pacquiao, who believed he had performed well enough to secure the victory. The other two judges, however, saw it as a back-and-forth battle, resulting in a 114-114 tie. Interestingly, at the start of the tenth round, Pacquiao appeared to be ahead on the judges’ scorecards but ultimately faltered during the final three rounds of the match, allowing Barrios to close the gap.
Pacquiao expressed his desire for a rematch against Barrios, feeling that he was the more deserving fighter. “I thought I won the fight,” Pacquiao remarked, emphasizing that it was indeed a closely contested match. He appreciated Barrios’ toughness but was confident in his own performance. When asked directly about the possibility of a rematch, he responded positively, indicating that he would like to get another shot at the title.
The fight itself had many aspects worth noting. Pacquiao has made history by being the oldest fighter to capture the welterweight title at 40 years of age in 2019. He also holds the distinction of being the only boxer to win a major world title after his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. His determination to compete at a high level at such an advanced age is commendable, and it serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes.
In the early rounds of the match, Pacquiao showcased his incredible speed and agility, delivering combinations that harkened back to his prime years. Despite the challenges that come with aging, he has trained rigorously for this fight, prominently displaying improved physical condition compared to his last match in 2021 against Yordenis Ugas, which yielded unfavorable results.
The statistics reflected a competitive bout: Pacquiao landed 101 of his 577 punches, giving him a 17.5% success rate, while Barrios hit 120 of 658, achieving a slightly better 18.2%. Notably, in terms of power punches, Pacquiao also edged out Barrios with 81 compared to his opponent’s 75. However, as the rounds progressed, the younger Barrios began to leverage his stamina advantage, allowing him to seize control towards the end of the contest.
Barrios himself praised Pacquiao’s enduring prowess, stating, “His stamina is crazy… He’s still strong as hell and his timing is real.” This affirming statement highlights the competitive spirit and respect between the athletes, even amidst the rivalry in the ring.
Despite having run for re-election as a senator in the Philippines in May, which pulled him away from training, Pacquiao remains focused on his passion for boxing. He noted, “I only have two months’ training… What I need to do is continue my training,” indicating a desire for more preparation time in the future to ensure he is at his best.
Pacquiao’s ambition and love for the sport, as well as his dedication to his country, drive his passion in the ring. He stated, “I love the Filipino people and I love to give honor to my country,” reflecting the deep connection he has with his fans and his commitment to representing them well in every bout.
As of now, conversations surrounding a potential rematch with Barrios continue, with Pacquiao considering other options if needed. His performance in the ring might not have clinched a title, but it certainly reaffirmed his position as a monumental figure in the sport of boxing, transcending generations, and leaving a lasting legacy.
