Manny Pacquiao Breaks Silence Following Disputed Fight Verdict
MANNY PACQUIAO – “I thought I won the fight,” said Pacquiao, following a dramatic 12-round battle with Mario Barrios that ended in a majority draw, leaving fans and analysts stunned.
Manny Pacquiao’s highly anticipated return to the ring ended in controversy after a gripping 12-round showdown against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Seeking to make history as the oldest welterweight champion at 46, Pacquiao delivered a performance that surprised many—but ultimately, the judges didn’t see enough for a win.
Despite a valiant effort, Pacquiao walked away with a majority draw: one judge scored it 115-113 in favor of Barrios, while the other two saw it evenly at 114-114. As a result, Barrios retained his title and left the ring with the belt still in his possession.
“I thought I won the fight,” Pacquiao stated in the ring moments after the decision was announced, drawing disappointed reactions from the majority Filipino crowd among the 13,107 attendees.
Numerous boxing analysts and journalists shared the sentiment. Dan Rafael scored the bout 117-111 for Pacquiao, while Kevin Iole gave it 116-112. Even The Associated Press and ESPN sided with the eight-division world champion, scoring it 115-113 in his favor. Yahoo! Sports headlined, “Pacquiao robbed of making history.”
Despite the draw, Pacquiao remained composed. “I thought I won the fight. I mean, it’s (a) close fight. My opponent (was) very tough. Wonderful fight,” he said, praising Barrios’ performance. Just inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Pacquiao hinted he isn’t done yet. “I think so. I think so. God willing,” he told fans about a possible comeback. “Don’t worry, the Pacman is back, and the journey will continue.”
Barrios, for his part, also claimed victory. “I feel like I won the fight. I felt I won. But I’m happy that I’m still holding on to my title,” he said.
Calls for a rematch are growing, with both fighters expressing interest. “Of course I’d like a rematch. I want to leave a legacy and make the Filipino people proud,” said Pacquiao. Barrios responded affirmatively, “I’ll do the rematch. Absolutely. This was huge for boxing. I’d love to do it again.”