Mario Barrios retains title and honors San Antonio's spirit in epic Pacquiao clash - with powerhouse attorney Thomas J. Henry's support

Daily Mail​

5 days ago

San Antonio's pride Mario 'El Azteca' Barrios stepped into the ring Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for the fight of his life – a thunderous, high–stakes clash with boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.
With the eyes of the world watching via Premier Boxing Champions Pay–Per–View on Prime Video, Barrios wasn't just representing himself - he carried with him the weight of his city, his roots, and the unwavering support of powerhouse attorney and longtime sponsor Thomas J. Henry.
Despite being dominated for several rounds by Pacquiao, who had returned to the ring after a four-year retirement, Barrios, 30, rallied furiously over the final three rounds - just enough to result in a draw that saw him retain his belt.
Whatever the outcome, the night marked a defining chapter in Barrios's career - and a full–circle moment for a fighter who's long used his platform to give back to the same San Antonio community that raised him.
Behind the scenes - and emblazoned on his trunks - was the name of Thomas J. Henry, the high-profile Texas attorney who's stood in Barrios' corner through several major bouts, including fights against Gervonta 'Tank' Davis, Abel Ramos, and Fabian Maidana.
'I've backed Mario before, and I'm honored to do it again,' said Henry ahead of the match.
'He's a warrior in the ring, but what sets him apart is his heart outside of it. He gives back, he stays grounded, and he represents his community with pride.
'That's the kind of character I support.'
For Barrios, the moment was more than just a shot at glory - it was about legacy, roots, and resilience.
And for Henry, the sponsorship was more than just branding - it was personal.
Henry, whose name has become synonymous with high–profile cases and philanthropic efforts across Texas, saw something in Barrios early on.
Not just a rising athlete, but a man grounded in family, faith, and community - values that echo Henry's own.
As the final bell rang and the lights dimmed over Las Vegas, one thing was certain: Mario Barrios showed the world he belonged on that stage - and he did it with a champion's spirit and a city behind him.
His elaborate entrance into the arena was evident of that as he emerged surrounded by Aztec dancers dressed in traditional garb as drums played ahead of the main event.
He was also joined by rising star and Texas-based rapper, Mexican OT, singing his song, 'Barrio'.
That heart - and grit - were on full display in the ring against Pacquiao, a Hall of Famer whose return to the sport at age 46 was one of the most talked–about comebacks in recent boxing memory.
Pacquiao, who had last fought in 2021, was enshrined into the International Boxing Hall of Fame last month and was trying to break his own record for oldest welterweight champion.
Pacquiao was 40 when he emerged in a 2019 split decision over Keith Thurman.
Barrios was awarded the fight 115-113 by one judge, with the other two cards scoring it 114-114.
The result drew a subdued reaction from the MGM Grand Garden Arena crowd, who had roared on Pacquiao during a cagey, hard-fought contest.
Despite the outrage from the heavily-pro Pacquiao spectators, Barrios showed nothing but good sportsmanship and respect for his opponent.
'It was an honor to share the ring with him. This is by far the biggest event I've had to date and we came in here and left everything in the ring. I have nothing but respect for Manny,' he said after the decision.
Barrios admitted he had been awed by Pacquiao's remarkable reserves of energy and stamina.
'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.
'I didn't think the fight was getting away from me, but I knew I had to step it up to solidify a win.
'The plan was to press him and try to make him feel old. But he's still got good legs.
'I'll do the rematch. Absolutely. This was huge for boxing. I'd love to do it again.'
Meanwhile, Pacquiao was convinced he was the winner.
'I thought I won the fight,' Pacquiao said afterwards. 'I mean, it was a close fight. My opponent was very tough. But it was a wonderful fight.
'I was trying to find a way to finish the fight but my opponent was so tough. He threw punches in combination and with defense, so it was hard.'
Barrios was a -275 favorite at BetMGM Sportsbook.
He hoped to bounce back from a split-decision draw on November 15 against Abel Ramos, but didn't exactly come away with an emphatic victory in improving to 29-2-2.
Pacquiao's resume includes 12 world championships in eight divisions.
He now is 62-9-2 and said right after the fight this likely wasn't his last.
Barrios's sponsorship is the latest in Thomas J. Henry's ongoing mission to uplift local talent and invest in community success stories.