History Slips From Pacquiao's Hands as Barrios Fight Ends in Majority Draw
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 20 Jul 2025
46-year-old Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao was again about to make history but he allowed to slip it away in the championship rounds as defending WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios won the last three rounds of their fight on all the judges scorecards to salvage a draw at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Saturday night (Sunday in Manila).
Judges Tim Cheatham and Steve Weisfeld had it 114-114 even after 12 rounds while Max DeLuca had 115-113 in favor of Barrios. The majority draw decision allowed Barrios to retain his belt. Pacquiao was ahead in the scorecards 87-84, 87-87 and 86-85 after the 9th round.
Pacquiao flashed glimpses of his old form throwing combination in bunches, darting in and out, moving side to side, and these would have been enough to defeat a young, in his peak world champion in Mario Barrios but apparently the age factor affected Pacquiao in the championship rounds as he failed to close the show against Barrios.
Despite the official decision, Pacquiao was resolute in his post-fight assessment. Speaking with PBC interviewer Jim Gray, a visibly disappointed but composed Pacquiao stated, "I thought I won the fight." Demonstrating his enduring hunger and competitive spirit, he swiftly added that he intends to continue fighting and expressed a strong desire for an immediate rematch with Barrios.
Mario Barrios, still the champion by virtue of the draw, echoed Pacquiao's sentiments for a second encounter. "Pacquiao still has it. The movement, the timing, it's all still there despite his age," Barrios told Jim Gray, shaking his head in disbelief, "It's crazy." His acknowledgment of Pacquiao's enduring skills, even after a tough fight, added another layer of respect to their rivalry.
The majority draw leaves a compelling cliffhanger for the welterweight division. Pacquiao was on the verge of making history as one of the oldest world champions ever, while Barrios's late rally showcased his championship resolve. With both fighters eager for a second dance, the boxing world will eagerly await news of a potential rematch that could finally deliver a definitive conclusion to this thrilling chapter.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Cabrera-Zapata Kicks Off All Star Boxing's 2026 Season
Thu, 29 Jan 2026Manny Pacquiao Chess Philippines: Cash prizes, FIDE rating at stakes this Sunday
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 29 Jan 2026IBP Fun Run & Family Day on February 15
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 29 Jan 2026TEOFIMO LOPEZ AND SHAKUR STEVENSON FACE-OFF AT KNICKS GAME AS COUNTDOWN TO ‘THE RING 6’ ON SATURDAY BEGINS
Wed, 28 Jan 2026Davao to sponsor P500K in IRONMAN 70.3
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 28 Jan 2026JOSH KELLY SOUNDS WARNING TO WORLD TITLE RIVAL BAKHRAM MURTAZALIEV AS HE TARGETS HISTORIC NORTH EAST HOMECOMING
Wed, 28 Jan 2026Gallegos and Alvarez Shine Bright with Knockout Wins at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Wed, 28 Jan 2026Pedro Carrasco Remembered in Spain 25 Years After His Passing
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 28 Jan 2026Gensan Outdoor, Gensan Educator support MFPI 5th Mindanao Summit in Mt. Apo
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 28 Jan 2026Vitor vs Subkhankulov, Tapales vs Kalsynov in Double IBF Asia Title Fights in Moscow on Feb. 13
By Dong Secuya, Tue, 27 Jan 2026“It’s about owning my own journey” Jeanine Brown retuns for Title Clash March 13 – Thunderdome 53
Tue, 27 Jan 2026Long Boxing Journey settles in New Bedford, MA for Junior Featherweight prospect Joshua Alvarado
Tue, 27 Jan 2026Steph Curry is 19th leading scorer of the NBA
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 27 Jan 2026Ocum is WBC Asian lightweight champ
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 27 Jan 2026Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh Believes he will stop Jarrell Miller this Saturday at Madison Square Garden
Tue, 27 Jan 2026