Layout by: Queen Xyra Blancia
Published by: Francen Anne Perez
Date Published: July 30, 2025
Time Published: 9:46 AM
Mario Barrios kept his WBC welterweight belt after sharing the ring with Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao in a close duel, scored 115-113 & 114-114, and declared a majority draw during the WBC welterweight championship at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 19.
Pacquiao, who returned to the ring after four years of retirement, aimed to break his record as the oldest welterweight world champion (2019) but was left upset after being held to a majority draw against Barrios.
"I thought I won the fight," said Pacquiao.
The round opened with Pacquiao throwing backhand punches without conviction, pulling off his signature hand speed with every right lead to a hook, moving to a sharp uppercut, which challenged his opponent.
The first to third rounds finished with a gap, as Barrios came prepared and checked hooks towards Pacquiao's jab, trying to dominate Barrios, yet his best was not enough.
As the fourth to seventh rounds took place, Barrios used their size difference as an advantage and fought behind the jabs, landing his counterpunches against Pacquiao, but he gave back.
Pacquiao turned the tables and pulled off his jolting jabs, followed by an uppercut, which aligned their scores and raised Pacquiao higher than Barrios' score.
Despite that, in the final three rounds, Barrios rallied with orthodox, landed rear hooks, and finished the bout after a lead right; the match was declared a majority draw, Barrios kept his crown.
One of the judges marked the match 115-113 in favor of Barrios, while the other two judges marked it 114-114.
"But I still tip my hat to Manny. It was an absolute honor to share the ring with him, somebody with so much experience who has accomplished so much in this sport. We left everything in the ring. Nothing but love and respect,” Barrios stated.
Moreover, Pacquiao considered fighting again and called for a rematch, and Barrios said he would love to do it again as well.
REFERENCES:
(1) Peter, J. (2025, July 20). Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios results: Fight card highlights. USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/boxing/2025/07/19/manny-pacquiao-mario-barrios-live-results-updates/85265158007/
(2) Graham, B. A. (2025, July 20). Manny Pacquiao turns back clock but settles for draw with Mario Barrios. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/20/pacquiao-barrios-majority-draw-welterweight-title
(3) Kearns, S. (2025, July 20). Manny Pacquiao draws comeback fight as Mario Barrios retains WBC welterweight title. BBC Sport. https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/articles/cgjgqzjez8wo
(4) Graham, B. A. (2025b, July 20). Manny Pacquiao v Mario Barrios: WBC welterweight championship – as it happened. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2025/jul/19/manny-pacquiao-v-mario-barrios-wbc-welterweight-championship-live-updates?filterKeyEvents=true&page=with%3Ablock-687c72ed8f08dbd6c52936be
(5) Sky Sports. (2025, July 20). Manny Pacquiao falls short in world title comeback bid as Mario Barrios retains belt with majority draw. Sky Sports. https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/13399128/manny-pacquiao-falls-short-in-world-title-comeback-bid-as-mario-barrios-retains-belt-with-majority-draw
(6) INQUIRER.net. (2025, July 19). HIGHLIGHTS: Pacquiao vs Barrios - WBC welterweight title fight. https://sports.inquirer.net/632364/live-manny-pacquiao-vs-mario-barrios-wbc-welterweight-title-fight
(7) Premier Boxing Champions. (2025, July 20). Pacquiao vs Barrios HIGHLIGHTS: July 19, 2025 | PBC PPV on Prime Video[Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulsBY57oK0w
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