Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, the legendary Filipino boxing icon and eight-division world champion, proved once again why he remains one of the most respected and admired athletes in the sport. Following his comeback bout against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, which ended in a majority draw, Pacquiao delivered an emotional post-fight interview filled with gratitude, determination, and hints at a possible rematch. Despite the outcome, the 45-year-old boxing veteran showcased flashes of his former brilliance, leading many fans and analysts to wonder if Pacquiao’s journey inside the ring is far from over.
This article takes an in-depth look at Pacquiao’s post-fight remarks, the fight’s results, and what the future may hold for one of the greatest boxers of all time.
The Fight: A Close and Intense Battle
Pacquiao’s return to the boxing ring after four years of retirement was met with enormous anticipation. Fans around the world were eager to see if the Filipino legend still had the speed, power, and ring IQ that once made him virtually unstoppable. Facing the much younger and taller Mario Barrios, Pacquiao entered the ring as the underdog, yet he demonstrated that age is only a number when coupled with discipline and preparation.
The fight itself was a closely contested battle. Barrios, known for his height, reach, and volume punching, proved to be a formidable opponent. Pacquiao, however, countered with explosive bursts of energy, quick combinations, and his signature footwork. Both fighters had their moments, trading power shots and engaging in tactical exchanges that kept the crowd on edge.
When the final bell rang, the scorecards told the story of a razor-thin contest:
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One judge scored the fight 115-113 in favor of Barrios.
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The other two judges scored it 114-114, resulting in a majority draw.
Interestingly, The Guardian’s unofficial scorecard had the fight 115-113 in favor of Pacquiao, reflecting just how close the contest was.
Barrios managed to clinch the draw by winning the 12th and final round on all three judges’ cards—a testament to his resilience and strong finishing strategy. Still, the result left many fans debating who truly deserved the victory.
Pacquiao’s Thoughts on the Fight
In his post-fight interview, Pacquiao expressed both pride and humility. “I thought I won the fight,” he said candidly. “It was a close fight. My opponent was very tough. It was a wonderful fight.” His statement echoed the sentiments of many who believed his performance was good enough to earn a victory, especially considering his age and long layoff from professional boxing.
Pacquiao admitted that Barrios’ tactical style and sharp combinations made it challenging to find an opening for a knockout. “I’m trying to find a way to finish the fight, but my opponent is so tough and brave. He’s not careless. He throws punches in combination and with defense. So it was hard.”
Despite the outcome, Pacquiao was gracious and respectful toward his opponent, praising Barrios for his skills and determination. It was clear that Pacquiao saw the fight not only as a personal test but also as a message of inspiration to others.
The Secret Behind Pacquiao’s Stamina
One of the most striking aspects of Pacquiao’s performance was his conditioning. Despite being 45 years old, Pacquiao moved with surprising agility and maintained a high work rate throughout the fight. When asked how he managed to maintain the stamina of a much younger man, Pacquiao credited his legendary training regimen.
“We worked hard. Hard work and discipline, everything like that,” he said. “I had to keep my body in shape as always.” For decades, Pacquiao has been renowned for his grueling training camps, which include high-altitude running, relentless sparring sessions, and strict physical conditioning. His ability to push his limits has allowed him to remain competitive even against younger, stronger opponents.
Pacquiao also acknowledged that experience has made him a smarter fighter. “I’m more experienced. I’m more tactical fighter than before. I’m not as careless as I was young. Now I’m more careful, and I need to, although this is my first comeback, but I need more aggressive style and more punches, throwing punches, because that’s my style.”
This balance of caution and aggression, he implied, was key to his performance against Barrios.
Faith and Inspiration
Pacquiao, who is known for his deep Christian faith, repeatedly expressed gratitude to God for his health, strength, and continued ability to perform at an elite level. “I’m so thankful to God, because without God, Manny Pacquiao is not here. God is the source of all the strength and good health that I have right now,” he said.
For Pacquiao, boxing is not just about personal glory—it’s about inspiring others, particularly the Filipino people. “It’s an inspiration to old boxers that, you know, even if you have discipline and hard work, you can still fight,” Pacquiao explained. His words serve as a reminder that determination, discipline, and faith can help one overcome even the most challenging circumstances.
Will Pacquiao Fight Again?
Perhaps the most exciting revelation from Pacquiao’s interview was his strong indication that he will fight again. “I think so. I think so. God willing,” he said when asked about stepping into the ring once more. He noted that his preparation for the Barrios fight was shorter than ideal due to his commitments to the Philippine elections. “I only have two months training. What I need to do is, like, continue my training, like in a championship fight like this, I should train four months, three months and a half, so that the fight would be good. But because of the election in the Philippines, I start late for my training, but it’s OK.”
Pacquiao also emphasized his love for the Filipino people and his desire to bring pride and honor to his country. “You know, I love the Filipino people, and I love to give honor to my country,” he added. This strong sense of national pride has always been a driving force behind his career.
The Legacy of Manny Pacquiao
Even before this fight, Pacquiao’s legacy in boxing was already cemented. He is the only fighter in history to have won world titles in eight different weight divisions. Over the course of his illustrious career, he has defeated some of the sport’s greatest names, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, and even Floyd Mayweather’s former rival Juan Manuel Marquez.
But for Pacquiao, his legacy goes beyond the belts and records. “That’s the only legacy that I can leave behind,” he said, referring to his desire to inspire people, especially his fellow Filipinos. “You know, to give inspiration to the Filipino people and to be proud wherever you are.”
This mindset has made Pacquiao not just a sports icon but also a cultural and political figure. His journey from poverty to global superstardom is the quintessential rags-to-riches story, and he continues to use his platform to motivate and uplift others.
The Possibility of a Rematch
The outcome of a majority draw naturally opens the door for a rematch. Pacquiao, when asked, did not hesitate to express his interest. “Yes, of course, of course,” he said. Fans and analysts alike are already speculating that a second bout between Pacquiao and Barrios would be even more thrilling, especially if Pacquiao has a longer training camp.
Given how close the first fight was—and the fact that Pacquiao appeared to have momentum in several rounds—a rematch would likely be highly competitive and generate massive global interest.
Barrios Retains the Title
For Mario Barrios, the draw means he retains his WBC welterweight title. While some fans believe Pacquiao did enough to win, Barrios deserves credit for his resilience and tactical approach. Winning the crucial 12th round on all three judges’ scorecards was the deciding factor that kept the title in his hands.
Barrios, who is still in his prime, showcased impressive skills against one of the greatest fighters of all time. This performance will likely boost his confidence and solidify his reputation as a legitimate champion.
Manny Pacquiao’s return to the ring against Mario Barrios was more than just a boxing match—it was a celebration of perseverance, discipline, and national pride. Despite being 45 years old and having only two months of training, Pacquiao delivered a remarkable performance that left fans around the world inspired and eager for more.
While the official result was a majority draw, the real takeaway was Pacquiao’s unwavering determination and the hint that this may not be the last time we see him in the ring. His post-fight statements suggest that, with a longer training camp and continued focus, Pacquiao believes he can still compete—and win—against the top fighters in the world.
Whether or not a rematch with Barrios materializes, Pacquiao’s legacy is already unmatched. He remains a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes, proving that with faith, discipline, and relentless hard work, age and adversity are no barriers to greatness.
