Pacquiao's comeback ends in draw as Barrios retains WBC Welterweight title
Manny Pacquiao’s much-anticipated return to the ring ended in a majority draw against reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, as the two fighters battled through 12 intense rounds at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday night.
Read also: ‘Rested’ Pacquiao relishing boxing comeback at 46, eyes July Title clash with Barrios
In what was billed as one of the most intriguing matchups of the year, 46-year-old Pacquiao showed flashes of brilliance reminiscent of his prime years, pushing 30-year-old Barrios to the limit in a bout that many thought could tip either way.
The final scorecards read 115-113 for Barrios from one judge, with the other two scoring it 114-114, resulting in a majority draw and allowing Barrios to retain his WBC world welterweight belt.
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From the opening bell, the crowd erupted in support of Pacquiao, the eight-division world champion who was stepping back into the ring for the first time in four years. For long stretches, especially in the middle rounds, it appeared that the “Pac-Man” might pull off an incredible upset.
Using his trademark speed, footwork, and counterpunching, Pacquiao frustrated Barrios, who struggled to find rhythm through the early and mid-rounds. Pacquiao's combinations and movement kept Barrios on the defensive, with many analysts noting that the Filipino legend had clearly outboxed the younger champion in the first half of the fight.
Yet, as the championship rounds approached, Barrios turned up the pressure. According to the official scorecards, he swept the final three rounds on all judges’ sheets, a crucial run that ultimately salvaged his title reign.
Pacquiao Reacts: "I Thought I Won the Fight"
After the fight, Manny Pacquiao remained composed but slightly disappointed, expressing belief that he had done enough to earn a win.
“I thought I won the fight. It was close, yes, but I felt I landed the cleaner shots,” Pacquiao told reporters. “My opponent was very tough and very smart. I was looking for the finish but he hung in there. It was a wonderful fight.”
The former senator and boxing icon had announced his return earlier this year, shocking the boxing world and immediately triggering global search spikes for Pacquiao comeback 2025 and Pacquiao next fight. Saturday’s match was his first since his loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021, which had led to his retirement.
Barrios praises Pacquiao's legacy and endurance
Despite being pushed to the brink, Mario Barrios kept his composure and showcased grit in the championship rounds. Post-fight, he was gracious in his assessment of Pacquiao’s performance.
“I thought I pulled it out,” Barrios said. “But still, I tip my hat to Manny. It was an honor sharing the ring with a legend. He’s awkward, fast, strong and still has crazy stamina. He made me dig deeper than ever.”
Barrios’ camp acknowledged the tactical complexity Pacquiao brought, particularly in movement and timing, areas where the Filipino fighter has long excelled. Search interest in Barrios vs Pacquiao highlights and Barrios fight result surged after the close contest.
What's Next for Both Fighters?
With the WBC welterweight title still in his hands, Mario Barrios remains a key figure in a stacked 147-pound division, potentially setting up future unification bouts or a rematch with Pacquiao.
For Pacquiao, the performance raises serious questions, not about his age, but about his potential to still compete at elite levels. The fight fueled speculation about future appearances, with fans now clamoring online for Pacquiao next opponent, Pacquiao retirement 2025, and even Pacquiao vs Spence.
While the decision may have left some fans unsatisfied, one thing is clear: Manny Pacquiao’s legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats remains untouched, and on Saturday night, he reminded the world that the “Pac-Man” still has plenty of fight left in him.
SportsLigue