Manny Pacquiao Falls Short in Historic Comeback Attempt Against Mario Barrios

More than two decades after bursting onto the American boxing scene with a stunning upset over Lehlo Ledwaba at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Manny Pacquiao returned to the same venue on Saturday night in pursuit of history. At 46 years old, the Filipino boxing legend aimed to become the oldest fighter to win a welterweight title. Instead, his courageous comeback ended in a majority draw against WBC champion Mario Barrios, who retained his belt in front of a packed crowd of 13,107 fans, many of them being passionate Pacquiao supporters.

“I thought I won the fight,” said a visibly disappointed Pacquiao. “It was a close fight. He was very tough.” Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs), who ended a four-year retirement just a month after being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, came out strong in the early rounds. Showing flashes of his prime form, the eight-division world champion overwhelmed the 30-year-old Barrios with his trademark flurries and darting combinations. By the 9th round, Pacquiao was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards.

However, the final three rounds told a different story. All three judges awarded the last rounds to Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs), allowing him to escape with a majority draw scores of 114-114 (twice) and 115-113 in his favor. Barrios praised his legendary opponent in the post-fight interview. “His stamina is crazy. He’s still strong as hell and his timing is real,” he said. “He’s still a very awkward fighter to try to figure out.”

Statistically, the bout was close. Barrios landed 120 of 658 punches (18.2%) to Pacquiao’s 101 of 577 (17.5%). However, Pacquiao edged Barrios in power punches, 81 to 75, which reflected the early rounds where he appeared to be the more aggressive and effective fighter.

Despite his age, Pacquiao showed he still possesses the speed and will that defined his legendary career. Yet the wear of the later rounds was evident. Barrios' younger legs and steady approach in the closing rounds proved just enough to sway the judges.

“I need to continue my training for longer going into a championship fight,” Pacquiao admitted, noting that his late start in training was due to his recent political campaign. “Of course I’d like a rematch. I want to leave a legacy and make the Filipino people proud.”

Barrios, for his part, welcomed the idea. “I’ll do the rematch. Absolutely. This was huge for boxing. I’d love to do it again.” Whether or not the rematch materializes, Pacquiao’s performance reminded fans and the sport itself that age alone doesn’t dictate a fighter’s worth in the ring.

“I hope this is an inspiration to boxers, ”Pacquiao said. "If you have discipline and work hard, you can still fight at this age. "In a sport that so often watches its icons fade into obscurity, Manny Pacquiao continues to defy expectations not just by showing up, but by still daring to win.