Manny Pacquiao Fights to Majority Draw Against Mario Barrios in Las Vegas

In a highly anticipated return to the boxing ring, Manny Pacquiao faced off against Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title on July 20, 2025, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The match concluded with a majority draw, a result that left fans and analysts eager for a rematch but marked a significant moment for Pacquiao, who at 46 years old sought to make history as the oldest fighter to reclaim a welterweight world title.

Pacquiao, the only boxer in history to hold titles in eight different weight classes, had not fought since his unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021. In that bout, Ugas dominated, landing 151 punches to Pacquiao's 130, and connecting on 59% of his power punches. Pacquiao entered the ring on Saturday as an underdog, with betting odds placing him at +210, reflecting skepticism about his ability to overcome Barrios, who is 16 years his junior.

Barrios, who won the interim WBC title against Ugas in September 2023, was elevated to full champion status after Terence Crawford vacated the title to pursue a higher weight class. Barrios's recent performances included a split draw defense against Abel Ramos in November 2024, showcasing his resilience but also leaving questions about his consistency in the ring.

The fight itself was closely contested, with both fighters exchanging blows throughout the twelve rounds. Judges scored the bout 114-114, 115-113, and 115-113 in favor of Barrios, reflecting the competitive nature of the match. According to ESPN's analysis, Pacquiao displayed remarkable footwork and resilience despite his age, while Barrios utilized his youthful speed and agility to keep the fight close.

In addition to the Pacquiao-Barrios main event, the undercard featured notable bouts, including Sebastian Fundora's successful defense of his WBC junior middleweight title against Tim Tszyu by TKO. Fundora's victory marked a significant moment in his career following a split-decision win over Tszyu in their previous fight in March 2024. Fundora's performance continues to solidify his place among the top contenders in the junior middleweight division.

Earlier in the day, Oleksandr Usyk regained the undisputed heavyweight championship by defeating Daniel Dubois via fifth-round knockout at Wembley Stadium in London. Usyk's victory further establishes his dominance in the heavyweight category amidst ongoing discussions regarding potential matchups against other top fighters.

The implications of Pacquiao's draw against Barrios extend beyond the ring. Analysts, including Dr. Robert Smith, a sports management professor at the University of Southern California, argue that this fight reflects the evolving landscape of boxing, where age and experience can sometimes outweigh youth and vigor. Dr. Smith noted, "Pacquiao’s ability to draw significant crowds and maintain relevancy in boxing speaks to his enduring legacy and the sport's need for charismatic figures like him."

Future projections suggest that a rematch between Pacquiao and Barrios could be on the horizon, as both fighters look to cement their legacies in the sport. The draw leaves open the possibility for a decisive encounter that might determine who truly deserves to hold the WBC welterweight title.

In conclusion, Manny Pacquiao’s return to boxing, culminating in a majority draw against Mario Barrios, not only reignites discussions about his legendary career but also highlights the dynamic and unpredictable nature of boxing's competitive landscape. As fans and analysts await potential rematches and future bouts, the sport continues to evolve, showcasing the talents of both veteran and younger fighters alike.