Pacquiao narrowly missed the chance to break his own record as the oldest welterweight champion in history, a feat he first achieved in 2019 at age 40 by defeating Keith Thurman. A win would have extended that milestone to 46, placing him alongside George Foreman and Bernard Hopkins as the only fighters to win world titles at such an advanced age. The Filipino icon also came agonizingly close to becoming the first boxer to win a major world title after being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, a distinction that would have further cemented his legacy.
Manny Pacquiao Fight Result: Boxing's Historic Bid Falls Short In Controversial Decision originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Pacquiao narrowly missed the chance to break his own record as the oldest welterweight champion in history, a feat he first achieved in 2019 at age 40 by defeating Keith Thurman. A win would have extended that milestone to 46, placing him alongside George Foreman and Bernard Hopkins as the only fighters to win world titles at such an advanced age.
The Filipino icon also came agonizingly close to becoming the first boxer to win a major world title after being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, a distinction that would have further cemented his legacy.
After the result, Pacquiao said in his in-ring interview, "I thought I won the fight. I mean, it was a close fight."
Despite the draw, Pacquiao defied expectations with a spirited performance, silencing critics who questioned his ability to compete after such a long layoff. He started strong, landing sharp combinations in the middle to late rounds.
The crowd, heavily biased in Pacquiao’s favor, erupted with every flurry, but Barrios’ size and youth gradually became factors as the fight progressed.
The champion’s reach and disciplined jab disrupted Pacquiao’s rhythm in the early rounds, and sharp combinations in the final rounds swayed the judges.
Despite having success, Barrios was timid in approaching Pacquiao throughout the fight.
“It was crazy. His stamina. He could still crack,” Barrios admitted. “He’s still strong as hell.”
Pacquiao’s higher punch output and crowd-pleasing aggression contrasted with Barrios’ more measured, technical approach.
Pacquiao’s return was fueled by a desire to make history and reclaim the glory of his prime years. Earlier in June, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, a testament to a career that includes 12 world titles across eight weight classes, a record unmatched in boxing history.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
