Hurting inside
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 22 Jul 2025
The verdict was like a stab straight into MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons’ heart. For four years, Gibbons dreamed of Manny Pacquiao returning to the ring after losing the WBC welterweight belt to Yordenis Ugas. Finally, the dream came true but the outcome was something Gibbons never imagined. Pacquiao could’ve and should’ve won back the title but the judges allowed Mario Barrios to retain the title on a highly-disputed majority 12-round draw in Las Vegas last weekend.
“It hurts so bad,” said Gibbons. “I don’t know what more Manny had to do to convince the judges. It’s just so hard to take. We saw vintage Manny in the ring. Sure, he’s 46 and Barrios is 30 but 75 percent of Manny is still better than 100 percent of Barrios. Manny put on a clinic and won at least seven rounds. How could he lose? He landed the cleaner and more powerful shots. Barrios missed a lot.”
Gibbons said Pacquiao worked his butt off to get ready for Barrios. “Remember, he just came from campaigning in the elections and landed in LA last May 18, shook off jet lag and started training the next day,” he said. Gibbons said it’s unfair that after going through the grind, Pacquiao wasn’t served justice.
Judges Tim Cheatham and Steve Weisfeld had Pacquiao ahead, 87-84 after nine rounds. Judge Max DeLuca scored it 86-85 for Pacquiao at that point. Then, the three judges saw it Barrios’ way until the final bell, scoring the last three rounds for the defending champion. Cheatham and Weisfeld wound up scoring it a draw, 114-all while DeLuca had it 115-113 for Barrios. DeLuca’s scorecard was controversial. This was his eighth assignment in a Barrios fight and second with Pacquiao, the first in 2003 against Emmanuel Lucero. Cheatham was a judge in Pacquiao’s fights against Keith Thurman and Adrien Broner. Weisfeld was a judge in Pacquiao’s fights against Ugas, Tim Bradley (third fight) and Juan Manuel Marquez (fourth fight).
Pacquiao showed no rancor after the draw was announced. He didn’t rave, he didn’t rant. Pacquiao took the verdict like a man, respecting what cards were dealt on the table. He said he’d like a rematch but Gibbons said there’s nothing to prove against Barrios and it’s time to move on to bigger game, maybe Floyd Mayweather. It's possible that Mayweather, who’s been avoiding a rematch with Pacquiao since their 2015 encounter, may not be as scared any longer since after all, Pacman didn’t win over Barrios or at least that’s how the judges saw it.
Pacquiao said God willing, he’ll continue fighting to bring honor to his country and pride to all Filipinos. It ain’t over for Pacquiao. Against a fighter who is 16 years younger, he displayed class. Barrios adjusted tactics in the middle rounds and almost cost him his crown. Pacquiao did something remarkable that night, inspiring the world that with discipline, hard work and determination, anything is possible in life, no matter the age. It’s such a pity that three judges took away his moment in history. Pacquiao must be hurting inside but won’t ever show it. To millions all over the world, he’s the true champion.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
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