Manny Pacquiao’s return to the ring ended in frustration as the 46-year-old boxing legend was held to a majority draw by WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
In his first bout since retiring in 2021, Pacquiao rolled back the years with bursts of speed, sharp combinations, and relentless movement that belied his age.
For long spells, the Filipino icon appeared to be in control, outworking and outsmarting Barrios, who entered the bout 16 years his junior and with both youth and size on his side.
But Barrios surged late, sweeping the final three rounds on all three scorecards to salvage his title.
The final tallies read 115-113 for Barrios and 114-114 on the remaining two cards, allowing the 30-year-old Texan to retain his belt and leave the ring unbeaten in 2024.
“I thought I won the fight,” Pacquiao said post-fight. “It was close, but I was landing clean shots and pressing the action. My opponent was tough, but it was a good fight.”
Barrios acknowledged the effort Pacquiao brought and admitted to being surprised by the veteran’s stamina.
“He can still crack,” said Barrios. “He’s awkward, tricky, and strong as hell. It was hard to read him at times. I knew I had to step it up late.”
While some fans expressed disappointment with the verdict, both fighters showed mutual respect and openness to a potential rematch.
“I would love to do it again,” said Barrios.
Pacquiao echoed the sentiment: “Of course. I want to continue. This is about inspiring Filipinos and showing that age is just a number.”
Despite being tagged the underdog before the fight, Pacquiao showed flashes of his trademark rhythm and ring IQ.
He controlled much of the early and middle rounds with smart angles, fast flurries, and precise footwork.
Barrios struggled to engage early on but finished strong with stiff jabs and timely counters in the final stretch.
It may not have been the fairy-tale ending Pacquiao hoped for, but it was another memorable chapter in a storied career that refuses to fade quietly.
