
Manny Pacquiao failed to win his comeback bid at age 46 tonight, but he didn’t lose it, either.
Pacquiao and Mario Barrios fought to a majority draw over 12 rounds in Las Vegas, with Barrios retaining his WBC welterweight title. Judges scored it 115-113 in his favor on one card, and the other two came back even at 114-114.
Bad Left Hook unofficially scored the fight 114-114 and 115-113 for Barrios.
Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KO) looked good for his age, though you can see the obvious decline, which is only
natural. He still hasn’t won a fight this decade, having previously fought just once in the 2020s, his 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugas.
Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KO) started pretty well, but seemed to be unable to “turn the screw,” as British pundits would say, until the final three rounds, when he finally upped the pressure a bit and started landing more consistently again. Barrios won the last three rounds on all three score cards to secure the majority draw.
“I thought I won the fight,” Pacquiao said. “It was a close fight, my opponent was very tough. Barrios is a wonderful fighter. ... I tried to find a way to finish the fight, but my opponent was so tough, and he’s not careless. He throws punches in combination and (good defense) — it’s hard.”
Asked about comparing himself to the 2021 version, Pacquiao said, “I’m more tactical than before. I’m more careful. But I need a more aggressive style and to throw more punches. That’s my style.”
Pacquiao said he “thinks” he will fight again, and that he would like a rematch.
“I thought I pulled it out, but I tip my hat to Manny, it was an absolute honor to share the ring with him,” Barrios said. “We left everything in the ring. Nothing but love and respect (to Manny). His stamina, he could still crack, he was still strong as hell, his timing and rhythm — he was still an awkward fighter to figure out.”
Barrios said he would “absolutely” give Pacquiao a rematch.
Pacquiao vs Barrios highlights
The best comes out when the lights are the brightest. #PacquiaoBarrios
— Premier Boxing Champions (@premierboxing) July 20, 2025
Order #PacquiaoBarrios now: https://t.co/f0TyAhZSE7 pic.twitter.com/BIvJIErT27
Manny Pacquiao having fun in RD3‼️#PacquiaoBarrios pic.twitter.com/TtEajQRV9V
— Premier Boxing Champions (@premierboxing) July 20, 2025
.@Boxer_Barrios and @MannyPacquiao trade at the end of RD8, with Barrios shooting the Jab and Manny dancing around el Azteca.
— Premier Boxing Champions (@premierboxing) July 20, 2025
Order #PacquiaoBarrios now: https://t.co/f0TyAhZSE7 pic.twitter.com/klNdRIAskK
.@Boxer_Barrios finding success targeting Pacquiao's body in RD9. #PacquiaoBarrios pic.twitter.com/9EGBD3cwxB
— Premier Boxing Champions (@premierboxing) July 20, 2025
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