Manny Pacquiao’s Comeback Fight in Las Vegas
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, at 46 years old, returned to the ring on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, hoping to make history as the oldest fighter to win the welterweight world championship.
The Filipino icon faced WBC champion Mario Barrios, but the fight ended in a majority draw, leaving Barrios to retain his title.
More than 24 years after his first U.S. fight – where he stunned Lehlo Ledwaba to win the IBF junior featherweight title – Pacquiao stepped back into the same venue for what could have been another historic night. However, despite a spirited start, the fight concluded with a score of:
114-114 (two judges)
115-113 (one judge for Barrios)
Pacquiao: “I Thought I Won the Fight”
Speaking after the match, a disappointed Pacquiao said:
“I thought I won the fight. It was a close fight. He was very tough.”
Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) started the fight strongly and was ahead on all three scorecards until the 10th round. However, Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs), who is 16 years younger, staged a comeback and claimed the final three rounds, ensuring he held onto his WBC welterweight belt.
The match drew a capacity crowd of 13,107 fans, most of whom were passionately cheering for Pacquiao.
Pacquiao’s Return After Retirement
This fight marked Pacquiao’s first return to the ring after four years of retirement. The comeback came just one month after his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Unlike his final fight in 2021 – a loss to Yordenis Ugas – Pacquiao looked sharper in the early rounds. His signature lightning-fast combinations and left-hand jabs reminded fans of his prime days.
However, the pace dropped in the middle rounds, and Barrios capitalised. Pacquiao admitted:
“I need to continue my training for longer going into a championship fight. Because of the election I started late, but it’s OK. Of course, I’d like a rematch. I want to leave a legacy and make the Filipino people proud.”
Fight Highlights and Punch Statistics
The fight was competitive throughout, with both boxers landing powerful shots. According to CompuBox Punch Stats:
Total Punches Landed
Pacquiao: 101 of 577 (17.5%)
Barrios: 120 of 658 (18.2%)
Jabs
Pacquiao: 20 of 318 (6.3%)
Barrios: 45 of 423 (10.6%)
Power Punches
Pacquiao: 81 of 259 (31.3%)
Barrios: 75 of 235 (31.9%)
Despite landing more power punches (81-75), Pacquiao could not secure the win as Barrios’s consistent performance in the later rounds swayed the judges.
Mario Barrios Praises Pacquiao’s Strength
Barrios praised his legendary opponent, saying:
“His stamina is crazy. He’s still strong as hell and his timing is real. He’s still a very awkward fighter to try to figure out.”
The 29-year-old champion also expressed interest in a rematch, stating:
“I’ll do the rematch. Absolutely. This was huge for boxing. I’d love to do it again.”
What’s Next for Pacquiao?
Pacquiao hinted that he is not done with boxing and is determined to step into the ring again.
“I hope this is an inspiration to boxers that if you have discipline and work hard you can still fight at this age.”
Fans worldwide are now waiting to see if Pacquiao will get another shot at making history, possibly in a rematch against Barrios.
Key Takeaways
Manny Pacquiao, 46, returned to boxing after four years but fought to a majority draw against Mario Barrios.
Barrios retained his WBC welterweight title, despite Pacquiao’s strong start.
Pacquiao landed more power punches but slowed down in the second half of the fight.
A rematch is possible, with both fighters showing interest.
Pacquiao aims to continue his career and inspire the next generation of boxers.
Sources:
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