Pacquiao, 46, draws with Barrios in comeback fight

Manny Pacquiao said he wants a rematch against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios after missing out on the title on his return to boxing.

The 46-year-old Filipino, making his return to the ring four years after retirement, was held to a majority draw by 30-year-old Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

One judge scored the fight 115-113 in Barrios' favour, while the other two scored it 114-114.

Pacquiao, who won 12 world titles across eight weight divisions during his career, was ahead on the judges' scorecards going into the 10th round but lost the last three.

"I thought I won the fight," Pacquiao said. "It was a close fight. My opponent was very tough. It was a wonderful fight."

Asked if he wants a rematch, he said: "Yes, of course."

Pacquiao is the oldest fighter to win the welterweight title, at the age of 40 in 2019.

No fighter has won a major world title after being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

'He's still strong as hell'

That Pacquiao lasted the distance was a triumph in itself.

In the early rounds he displayed speed and agility that belied his years, putting together vintage combinations.

After a two-month training camp, Pacquiao appeared in better shape than in 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas in his last fight.

Pacquiao landed 101 of his 577 punches (17.5%) compared to Barrios' 120 from 658 (18.2%). Pacquiao landed 81 power punches 81 to Barrios' 75.

Barrios' age advantage started to tell as the fight wore on, with Pacquiao slowing down towards the end of the fight.

"His stamina is crazy," Barrios said.

"He's still strong as hell and his timing is real. He's still a very awkward fighter to try to figure out."

Pacquiao, who failed to win re-election as a senator in the Philippines government in May, was granted a title shot because of the WBC's rules on former champions coming out of retirement.

He said he will seek a different fight if a rematch with Barrios is not agreed.

"I only have two months' training," Pacquiao said.

"What I need to do is continue my training. In a championship fight like this I should train four months, three months and a half.

"But because of the election in the Philippines, I start late for my training, but it's OK. I love the Filipino people and I love to give honour to my country."

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