4 days ago
Is Pacquiao willing to fight again after a draw vs Barrios?
July 20, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Manny Pacquiao smiles before his fight against Mario Barrios at MGM Grand Garden Arena. (Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images/REUTERS)
Manny Pacquiao turned back the clock on Sunday as the 46-year-old Hall of Famer had a strong showing in his bout against Mario Barrios in their WBC welterweight title match, which resulted in a majority draw.
One judge favored Barrios, 115-113, while the two others gave the same scores to both boxers 114-114.
As he showed that he can still fight at his age, will Pacquiao return to the ring again?
"I think so. God-willing," he said in a post-match interview.
"I thought I won the fight."@MannyPacquiao gives his thoughts on his fight with Mario Barrios. — Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) July 20, 2025
Pacquiao said the May 2025 elections where he lost his Senate seat also took a toll on his preparations against Barrios.
"I know the fans [are] waiting there. I only had two months training. What I need to do is, like, continue my training. In a championship fight like this, I should train [for] four months, three months and a half, so that the fight will be good."
"But because of the election in the Philippines, I started late for my training. But it's okay. You know, I love the Filipino people and I love to give honor to my country."
Is a Pacquiao-Barrios II also possible?
"Yes. Of course," he said.
"That's the only legacy that I can leave behind, you know, to give inspiration to the Filipino people and to be proud wherever you are."
Pacquiao now holds a record of 62 wins (39 via knockout), eight losses, and three draws.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
