Today, July 20, 2025, Filipino fans were buzzing for Filipino Boxing Legend Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao’s 12-round bout against WBC World Welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
Several individuals were cheering and hoping that Pacquiao would win again after 4 years without a fight, but Barrios firmly held on to his WBC World Welterweight crown as he did not allow Pacquiao’s heavy punches to shake him, which was why the judges decided the fight was a “Majority Draw.”
For Pacquiao, he believed he had won because for him it was a “close fight,” but, due to the strength shown by Barrios, Pacquiao remained confident.
“I though I won the fight,” I mean, it was a close fight. My opponent was very tough, but it was a wonderful fight,” Pacquiao’s statement.
Barrios, on the other hand, once again deserved the majority draw, and gave respect and honor to be able to participate in that fight against Pacquiao, one of the most powerful players in the world of boxing, where, he was also amazed by the stamina and strength that he experienced and witnessed in Pacquiao.
“I thought I pulled it out,” Barrios said. “But I still tip my hat to Manny. It was an honor to share the ring with him, somebody with so much experience who has accomplished so much in this sport. We left everything in the ring, nothing but love and respect.”
Similar to the speculations of many about a rematch between the two boxers, Barrios’ door is also open to a rematch with Pacquiao.
“I’ll do the rematch. Absolutely. This was huge for boxing. I’d love to do it again,” said Barrios.
Pacquiao’s hope for the well done match was to set an example: discipline and hard work can empower any aspiring boxer, even an older one, to succeed.
“I hope this is an inspiration to boxers that if you have discipline and work hard you can still fight at this age,” said Pacquiao.
