🥊 Preamble and Build-up
Pacquiao’s comeback: At 46, Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao returned after nearly four years, aiming to break his own record as the oldest welterweight champion. His last bout was a 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugás, and he recently entered the Boxing Hall of Fame .
Barrios the challenger: The 30‑year‑old WBC welterweight titleholder, Mario “El AZTECA” Barrios, stood 6 ft tall with a four‑inch reach advantage. He had previously beaten Ugás and drew with Abel Ramos .
Fight night atmosphere: The MGM Grand in Las Vegas buzzed with anticipation as a packed crowd witnessed Pacquiao stepping into the ring to “Hall of Fame” by The Script, followed by Barrios’s entrance in Aztec warrior garb .
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🥊 Round‑by‑Round Highlights
Rounds 1–4: Pacquiao Takes Command
Round 1: Pacquiao stormed out throwing sharp jabs and straight lefts, controlling the pace and netting the round on most unofficial scorecards .
Round 2–3: Barrios found rhythm with his jab and counters in round 2. But by round 3, Pacquiao regained dominance with faster hands and movement .
Rounds 5–9: Peak Pac‑Power
Mid-round surge: From rounds 6 through 9, Pacquiao looked half his age—zipping in and out of range, landing crisp combinations and a snapping left that buzzed Barrios .
Dominant display: He outlanded Barrios in power punches (81–75) and total landed figures (101–120), exerting clear control of the middle rounds .
Round 10–12: Barrios Strikes Back
Shift in momentum: In round 11, Barrios stepped up – landing his best combos and forcing Pacquiao onto the back foot .
Strong finale (round 12): Barrios urged the pace through the final round, trading in the center, closing strong, and securing the last three rounds on all judges’ sheets .
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🥊 Decision and Official Scores
The fight went to the scorecards, resulting in a majority draw:
Judge A: 115‑113 for Barrios
Judges B & C: 114‑114
This meant Barrios retained the WBC welterweight title, while Pacquiao walked away without losing .
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🥊 Stats & Numbers
Total landed: Barrios 120 vs. Pacquiao 101
Power punches: Pacquiao led 81–75 .
Punch accuracy: Barrios ~18.2%, Pacquiao ~17.5% .
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🥊 Corner Comments & Fighter Reactions
Manny Pacquiao
> “I thought I won the fight … My opponent was very tough … It was a wonderful fight.”
Pacquiao lamented his shortened two‑month training camp (due to political duties) and said he’d ideally trained 3½–4 months . He expressed a desire for a rematch and hopes to continue inspiring fighters of all ages .
Mario Barrios
> “I thought I still pulled it out… I still tip my hat to Manny”
Barrios praised Pacquiao’s rhythm, stamina, and awkward style. He said the fight was “huge for boxing” and welcomed a rematch .
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🥊 Public & Media Reaction
Crowd response: The majority draw sparked boos from Pacquiao fans in Vegas and protests online that a legend deserved the win .
Media consensus: Many outlets dubbed the decision “controversial” or “robbery,” lamenting that Pacquiao’s mid‑fight dominance wasn’t rewarded. Sports writers expressed shock he wasn’t crowned champion .
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🥊 Aftermath & What’s Next
Legacy preserved, history delayed: Pacquiao almost reclaimed his throne, but fell short in his record quest. Still, his performance reinforced beliefs that age is no barrier with discipline and faith .
Rematch potential: Both fighters signaled openness to another meeting—Barrios for legacy, Pacquiao for final glory and national pride .
Undercard note: Sebastian Fundora defended his WBC super‑welterweight belt via TKO over Tim Tszyu in the co‑main event .
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🥊 Overview & Perspective
In a bygone era, Pacquiao was the fastest, fiercest fighter in the ring. On July 19, 2025, he flashed those traits again—quickness, combinations, grit—but ultimately fell short on the scorecards against a resilient Barrios. It was a modern legend defying age only to be denied by timing and judges. The split‑draw finish didn’t tarnish his legacy; it highlighted why millions still worship his name.
Boxing history books will log this as a draw. But the conversation isn’t over—rematch
talks loom large. Should it happen, the legend’s story may yet have one more chapter.
