Manny Pacquiao did not win his comeback bid at age 46 tonight, however he didn’t lose it, both.
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 opposite two got here again even at 114-114.
Dangerous Left Hook unofficially scored the combat 114-114 and 115-113 for Barrios.
Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KO) seemed good for his age, although you possibly can see the apparent decline, which is barely pure. He nonetheless hasn’t gained a combat this decade, having beforehand fought simply as soon as within the 2020s, his 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugas.
Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KO) began fairly nicely, however gave the impression to be unable to “flip the screw,” as British pundits would say, till the ultimate three rounds, when he lastly upped the stress a bit and began touchdown extra constantly once more. Barrios gained the final three rounds on all three rating playing cards to safe the bulk draw.
“I assumed I gained the combat,” Pacquiao mentioned. “It was a detailed combat, my opponent was very powerful. Barrios is a superb fighter. … I attempted to discover a approach to end the combat, however my opponent was so powerful, and he’s not careless. He throws punches together and (good protection) — it’s arduous.”
Requested about evaluating himself to the 2021 model, Pacquiao mentioned, “I’m extra tactical than earlier than. I’m extra cautious. However I want a extra aggressive model and to throw extra punches. That’s my model.”
Pacquiao mentioned he “thinks” he’ll combat once more, and that he would love a rematch.
“I assumed I pulled it out, however I tip my hat to Manny, it was an absolute honor to share the ring with him,” Barrios mentioned. “We left every little thing within the ring. Nothing however love and respect (to Manny). His stamina, he might nonetheless crack, he was nonetheless sturdy as hell, his timing and rhythm — he was nonetheless an ungainly fighter to determine.”
Barrios mentioned he would “completely” give Pacquiao a rematch.
