Pacquiao, 46, Draws with Barrios in Comeback Fight

Manny Pacquiao rolled back the years in his return to boxing but was held to a majority draw by WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The 46-year-old Filipino icon, fighting for the first time in four years, narrowly missed out on making history as the oldest welterweight champion.

One judge scored the fight 115-113 in Barrios’ favour, while the other two had it 114-114, leaving Pacquiao frustrated.

“I thought I won the fight,” Pacquiao said post-fight. “It was close. My opponent was very tough. It was a wonderful fight. Yes, of course I want a rematch.”

Pacquiao’s Vintage Display

Pacquiao, a 12-time world champion across eight weight divisions, showed flashes of his old brilliance.

In the early rounds, he impressed with speed and sharp combinations, defying his age. By the 10th round, Pacquiao was ahead on the scorecards but faded late as Barrios took the final three rounds.

• Punch stats:

  • Pacquiao: 101 landed (17.5% accuracy)

  • Barrios: 120 landed (18.2% accuracy)

Barrios praised Pacquiao, saying:

“His stamina is crazy. He’s still strong as hell and his timing is real.”

What’s Next for Pacquiao?

Pacquiao’s return to the ring came after two months of intense training and followed his International Boxing Hall of Fame induction in June 2025.

While a rematch with Barrios is possible, Pacquiao’s team believes bigger fights await.

His manager Sean Gibbons said:

“Manny deserves a bigger name. There are fighters like Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis or Rolly Romero out there.”

Pacquiao also teased the possibility of a blockbuster rematch with Floyd Mayweather, 10 years after their first meeting.

“If Mayweather comes out of retirement and signs the contract, we’ll fight. Let’s do it again if he wants. I’m active now,” Pacquiao added.