Pacquiao battles Barrios to draw in comeback bid at 46

Manny Pacquiao didn’t win another world title, but he earned a draw with Mario Barrios at age 46.

Manny Pacquiao failed to win his comeback bid at age 46 tonight, but he didn’t lose it, either.

Pacquiao and Mario Barrios fought to a majority draw over 12 rounds in Las Vegas, with Barrios retaining his WBC welterweight title. Judges scored it 115-113 in his favor on one card, and the other two came back even at 114-114.

Bad Left Hook unofficially scored the fight 114-114 and 115-113 for Barrios.

Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KO) looked good for his age, though you can see the obvious decline, which is only natural. He still hasn’t won a fight this decade, having previously fought just once in the 2020s, his 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugas.

Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KO) started pretty well, but seemed to be unable to “turn the screw,” as British pundits would say, until the final three rounds, when he finally upped the pressure a bit and started landing more consistently again. Barrios won the last three rounds on all three score cards to secure the majority draw.

“I thought I won the fight,” Pacquiao said. “It was a close fight, my opponent was very tough. Barrios is a wonderful fighter. ... I tried to find a way to finish the fight, but my opponent was so tough, and he’s not careless. He throws punches in combination and (good defense) — it’s hard.”

Asked about comparing himself to the 2021 version, Pacquiao said, “I’m more tactical than before. I’m more careful. But I need a more aggressive style and to throw more punches. That’s my style.”

Pacquiao said he “thinks” he will fight again, and that he would like a rematch.

“I thought I pulled it out, but I tip my hat to Manny, it was an absolute honor to share the ring with him,” Barrios said. “We left everything in the ring. Nothing but love and respect (to Manny). His stamina, he could still crack, he was still strong as hell, his timing and rhythm — he was still an awkward fighter to figure out.”

Barrios said he would “absolutely” give Pacquiao a rematch.

Pacquiao vs Barrios highlights