Sunday, July 20, 2025, the boxing world was still abuzz with the controversial Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on July 19. The 46-year-old Filipino boxer spoke out after speaking out about the outcome of the fight and expressed his belief that he deserved to win, in a statement that caused a stir.
Bout Summary
Pacquiao, returning to the ring after nearly four years, faced off against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in a highly anticipated bout that showcased Pacquiao’s incredible speed and stamina, with the former eight-division champion delivering sharp combinations that thrilled the packed house. Barrios, 30, relied on straight punches and counter-punching power, especially dominating the later rounds. The judges’ scores (115-113 for Barrios, 114-114 and 114-114) returned a draw, allowing Barrios to successfully defend his title. Pacquiao’s performance nearly made him the second-oldest fighter to win a major world title, a record he set at age 40.
Early reports, including from Yahoo Sports and the Washington Post, highlighted Pacquiao’s early lead and Barrios’ late surge, with some unofficial scorecards favoring Pacquiao. However, the official decision was controversial, with fans and analysts questioning the judges’ consistency.
Pacquiao’s Reaction
In his first public statement since the fight, released via video message at 6:45 p.m. ET/PT, Pacquiao expressed disappointment but maintained a friendly tone. “I think I won the fight,” he said. “It was a close fight. My opponent was very strong. It was a great fight.” He attributed his resistance to “hard work and discipline,” and mentioned his limited two-month training camp. Pacquiao also hinted at a possible rematch, saying, “I think so, I think so. God willing,” with Barrios concurring, calling sharing the ring “an absolute honor” and expressing his willingness to fight again.
Posts on X reflect a split in opinion, with many fans agreeing with Pacquiao’s assessment, while others believe Barrios’ dominance in the final round justified a draw. This view underscores the competitiveness of the fight, although there is no hard evidence to support overturning the result.
Checking the facts of the controversy
Claims of a steal have been rife, with some fans and unofficial scorers, such as @bredisadames on X, scoring it 116-112 for Pacquiao. However, a look at round-by-round updates from sources such as The Guardian and Bad Left Hook shows a fairly even contest, with Barrios winning the final round in every fight, a key factor in deciding the winner. Sporting News and CBSSports.com acknowledge Pacquiao’s early action, but also acknowledge Barrios’s sharpness in the even rounds. Despite Pacquiao’s performance despite his age, the judges’ decision was consistent with the course of the fight, although the 115-113 scoreline in favour of Barrios raised some eyebrows when compared to the 114-114 scoreline.
Financial reports suggesting Pacquiao earned as much as $5m (Al Jazeera) and Barrios $1m have not been verified by official sources but are in line with previous payouts for high-profile fights. There is no evidence to support the allegations of cheating in the scoring, although the controversy is reflective of controversial decisions in boxing.
Pacquiao’s comments have fuelled speculation about his future. At 46, his ability to compete at this level suggests he could pursue another title fight, perhaps against Barrios or others. The draw kept Barrios’ title intact but overshadowed his victory. An asterisk has appeared, leading to calls for a rematch to determine the winner. The boxing community, as seen in the heated discussions about X, is divided, with some backing Pacquiao’s return, others defending the judges.