Manny Pacquiao made a triumphant return to the boxing ring.
Even if it didn’t end in victory.
Fighting for the first time in nearly four years, the 46-year-old Pacquiao and 30-year-old Mario Barrios fought to a majority draw. The judges scored the welterweight bout 115-113 (in favor of Barrios), 114-114, 114-114 and Barrios retained his WBC welterweight title.
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| Manny Pacquiao reacts next to Mario Barrios after their WBC welterweight title fight ended in a majority draw. © Harry How, Getty Images |
The crowd booed, but Pacquiao called it a "wonderful" fight. It was an inspired performance from Pacquiao against a fighter 16 years younger than him.
"I thought I won the fight. I mean, it’s close fight," Pacquiao said. "My opponent very tough. … Wonderful fight.’’
Barrios said he thought he “pulled (the fight) out. But I still tip my hat to Manny. It was an honor to share the ring with him.’’
Manny Pacquiao's incredible stamina
Barrios said he was surprised by Pacquiao’s stamina at age 46.
“It was crazy. His stamina. He could still crack. He’s still strong as hell. And, you know, his timing is real and everything. He was still a very awkward fighter to try to figure out.’’
Pacquiao had not fought since 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision.
Pacquiao was asked about his stamina and how he pulled this off at age 46.
“Oh, just work hard. Hard work and then discipline. Everything like that.’’
What's next for Manny Pacquiao?
In the final rounds, Barrios said, his corner was telling him to pick it up and start pressing Pacquiao.
“That was the plan in the first place coming in here, try to make him feel old. But, man, he has such good legs, he has a lot in the tank. And … he still has a lot of fight left in him.’’
Barrios said he would give Pacquiao a rematch after being told by broadcaster Jim Gray that’s what Pacquiao wanted.
“Absolutely,’’ Barrios said.
Asked if he will fight again, Pacquiao said, “I think so. I think so. God willing.’’
The crowd cheered.
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| ©Harry How, Getty Images Sebastian Fundora poses with his team after his TKO victory over Tim Tszyu. |
Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios: Round-by-round analysis
Welterweight bout, 12 rounds
Round 1
Manny Pacquiao is back! But, for how long? We’ll soon know as he and Mario Barrios respond to the sound of the bell. But before it sounds, up go the chants, “Man-ny! Man-ny!” Boy, Barrios is significantly bigger than Pacquaio. Barrios connects with his jab twice. Pacquiao looks a little unsure as he gets hit with the jab despite the chants. Pacquiao throws a left that lands to Barrios' head. Pacquiao eats a jab from Barrios. Throws a left and takes a right from Barrios. Pacquiao lands a right and later rushes in but without conviction. Barrios looks prepared. Barrios 10, Pacquiao 9
Round 2
Barrios out quick with his jab. Barrios a little more aggressive with the jab. Barrios lands a jab and slips to the canvas. A clear slip. Barrios working that jab. Barrios using his reach well. Pacquiao less active in this round. Pacquiao lands a hard left and Barrios counters with a jab. Barrios peppering Pacquiao with the jab as the round ends. Barrios 20, Pacquiao 18
Round 3
Pacquiao rushes in for a left. The speed is there, but the punch did not connect. Pacquiao looking more aggressive. Barrios connects with a right to the body. Barrios connects with a jab as Pacquiao tries to close the distance. Pacquiao complaining about low blows. The ref shakes off the complaint. Clearly those body shots are bothering Pacquiao. Pacquiao lands a couple of punches and Barrios connects. Barrios 30, Pacquiao 27
Round 4
Pacquiao scores and back comes two fists from Barrios. Pacquiao lunges in for a shot, and Barrios seems prepared. The speed and power for which Pacquiao was known simply not apparent here. Barrios using his size difference. Pacquiao doing his best to close the gap but so far it’s not enough. Barrios 40, Pacquiao 36
Round 5
Pacquiao squirms in and lands to Barrios’ body. That looked like vintage Pacquiao. Is there more there? Pacquiao again, darts in and lands a left. Barrios counters with jabs. Pacquiao darts in again for the left. Pacquiao evades a punch and shows some quickness. Pacquiao closes with a flourish. Barrios 49, Pacquiao 46
Round 6
Pacquiao closes the gap and lands to the body and the head. There’s some old Manny. Barrios lands a snapping jab and follows it up with another. But Pacquiao is fighting through the punches in an attempt to land them. Pacquiao taking chances and lands a few body shots in close quarters. Pacquaio takes a punch but closes with a flourish. Barrios 58, Pacquaio 56
Round 7
Barrios still fighting behind the jab. In comes Pacquiao and he lands a combination. Then does it again! Barrios counters with a right. For all of Barrios’ size advantage, he’s yet to really hurt Pacquiao. Pacquiao takes a shot and gives one back. Up go the chants again: “Manny, Manny!’’ Barrios 67, Pacquiao 66
Round 8
Barrios lands a solid right and then a body shot. Pacquiao didn’t like that one. Barrios throwing punches but no successful combinations. He looks passive now as Pacquiao scores. Pacquiao was under siege and fired back. He turned back the clock there! Barrios 76, Pacquiao 76
Round 9
Pacquiao getting stronger? He’s taking it to Barrios now. Barrios punches, and Pacquiao immediately responds – with combinations. Now it’s Barrios looking tentative and unsure of himself. The crowd bathing Manny in chants. Pacquiao 86, Barrios 85
Round 10
Barrios strikes early. A hard exchange of body shots. Barrios lands a hard combo. But Barrios still looks a little tentative, but lands a hard left there. Pacquiao going toe to toe with a man 16 years younger than he is. More chants of “Manny, Manny!’’ Those massive Pacquiao claves have served him well. Pacquiao 96, Barrios 94
Round 11
Barrios strikes with both hands and with force. Then connects with the jab before Pacquiao responds. Pacquiao scores with a right hook and follows up with another before Barrios pounces. Pacquiao ducks a punch and delivers one. Still showing quickness, then eats a jab from Barrios. Pacquiao 105, Barrios 104
Round 12
They hug before the round begins. Barrios scores with a jarring right. Barrios lets fly with both hands. Pacquiao counters with a left. Up go the chants again with about a minute left. No overtime, folks. Barrios looking good as the round closes. The crowd is on its feet, even as Barrios looks in command. Pacquiao 114, Barrios 114
Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios fight card results
- Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios declared majority draw, welterweight bout, 12 rounds
- Sebastian Fundora def. Tim Tszyu by TKO, super welterweight bout
- Isaac Cruz def. Omar Salcido by unanimous decision, super lightweight bout, 10 rounds
- Brandon Figueroa def. Joet Gonzalez by unanimous decision, featherweight bout, 12 rounds
- Gary Russell Jr. def. Hugo Castaneda by TKO in 10th round, super featherweight
- Eumir Marcial def. Bernard Joseph by KO in third round, middleweight
- David Picasso def. Kyonosuke Kameda by majority decision, super bantamweight
- Mark Magsayo def. Jorge Mata by unanimous decision, lightweight bout
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