Pacquiao’s Comeback Thriller Ends in Controversial Draw Against Barrios.
Manny Pacquiao’s Return to the Ring Ends in a Stalemate.
The Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao made a sensational return to professional boxing last night, when he faced the reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. After an electrifying 12-round battle, the fight was ruled a majority draw which sparked a widespread debate among fans and pundits.
The 46-year-old Pacquiao, who had been retired for nearly four years, entered the ring determined to show he still has the speed, power, and heart that made him an eight-division world champion. Against the 30-year-old Barrios, Pacquiao delivered vintage moments of brilliance, thrilling the over 13,000 spectators in attendance.
How the Judges Scored It
The judges’ scorecards read:
- 114-114 (Judge 1)
- 114-114 (Judge 2)
- 115-113 in favor of Barrios (Judge 3)
Despite the deadlock on paper, many ringside observers believed Pacquiao had done enough to secure victory, especially with his aggressive approach and sharp combinations in the middle rounds.
Pacquiao expressed disappointment in the decision, stating,
“I thought I won the fight. I pushed the pace and landed the bigger shots.”
Round-By-Round Breakdown
Pacquiao started the fight on the front foot, using his trademark footwork and lightning-fast combinations to trouble Barrios early. He dominated most of the middle rounds, particularly from the 5th to the 9th, showcasing his signature power punches and relentless energy.
However, Barrios rallied impressively in the championship rounds (10 to 12), applying pressure and landing clean counters that seemingly swayed the judges decision. His late surge ensured he held onto his title, even if the crowd loudly booed the decision.
Key Fight Stats
- Total Punches Landed:
- Barrios: 120
- Pacquiao: 101
- Power Punches:
- Pacquiao: 81
- Barrios: 75
Although Barrios landed more total punches, Pacquiao’s power shots and ring control impressed many, leaving the final decision highly contested.
What’s Next for Pacquiao?
Despite not securing the win, Pacquiao hinted he’s not done yet. Speaking after the fight, he said:
“I hope my performance inspires people that age is just a number. If you stay disciplined, you can still achieve great things.”
After the fight, both fighters show openness to a rematch, which could settle the debate and potentially become one of the biggest bouts of the year if confirmed.
Pacquiao vs Barrios: Quick Summary
| Fighter | Record | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Manny Pacquiao | 62 Wins, 8 Losses, 2 Draws (39 KOs) | Majority Draw |
| Mario Barrios | 29 Wins, 2 Losses, 2 Draws (18 KOs) | Retained WBC Title |
Final Thoughts
Pacquiao’s return was nothing short of inspiring, proving that his legacy remains untouched even in a contentious result. While the draw may feel unsatisfying to his legions of fans, his performance alone was a victory for the sport unlike Mike Tyson’s latest fight with Jake Paul.
