Former eight-division world champion and boxing Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao expressed strong disagreement with the judges’ decision following his highly anticipated comeback fight against Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas earlier today.
The 46-year-old Filipino icon displayed impressive flashes of his vintage form, trading blows with the younger Barrios over twelve competitive rounds. Pacquiao’s trademark hand speed and powerful left made several appearances throughout the bout, drawing cheers from the crowd. Despite his age, he held his own, demonstrating sharp footwork and resilience from start to finish.
The match concluded with a controversial majority draw. One judge scored the bout 115-113 in favor of Barrios, while the two others saw it even at 114-114. The decision sparked immediate debate among fans and analysts alike, many of whom believed Pacquiao had done enough to win.
“After twelve rounds, I thought I won the fight,” Pacquiao told reporters during the post-fight press conference. “My analysis, I won 8-4. But the thing is, I was surprised with the announcement that it was a draw.”
Despite the outcome, Pacquiao remained upbeat and grateful for the opportunity to compete once again on the world stage. “I did my best in the ring, and the fans were happy with my performance,” he said. “But do not worry — Pacman is back. I am still here.”
The result leaves the door open for a potential rematch, especially considering the split opinions on who truly won. Barrios, who is 17 years younger, acknowledged Pacquiao’s toughness and skill, saying he was honored to share the ring with a living legend.
Pacquiao’s return, even in a drawn decision, further cements his legacy as one of boxing’s greatest warriors. While it remains unclear whether this will be his final fight or the start of a short comeback campaign, one thing is certain — Manny Pacquiao still has the heart and hunger of a champion.
Fans and pundits alike are now eagerly waiting to see what the next chapter holds for the legendary “Pacman.”