Manny Pacquiao stepped back into the boxing ring at age 46, fighting to a majority draw against Mario Barrios in their welterweight title bout after a four-year retirement. The scorecards (114-114, 113-115, 114-114) left many fans disappointed, believing the Filipino legend deserved the victory.
"If Manny Pacquiao wants to continue fighting, we would certainly allow a rematch. If he retires now, he goes out through the front door. It was a draw that tasted like an absolute victory," said Mauricio Sulaimán, president of the World Boxing Council (WBC).
Pacquiao didn't choose the easy path for his comeback, rejecting exhibition matches in favor of challenging for a world title against an opponent more than 20 years his junior. The result didn't satisfy boxing enthusiasts who witnessed his impressive performance after such a lengthy absence from professional competition.
Interestingly, the WBC faced significant criticism for sanctioning Pacquiao's return given his age and inactivity. "It was a beautiful week, the atmosphere in the arena was unforgettable," Sulaimán continued. "He earned the world's respect and confirmed the position some of us held before the fight."
Despite what many would consider a disappointing outcome, Pacquiao showed remarkable composure about the draw. "I really admire Manny Pacquiao because he took the draw very calmly," noted Sulaimán. "It was truly a close fight, but one in which he deserved to close with a victory. He looked wonderful in the ring. Barrios couldn't decipher Pacquiao and was dominated, though it was a close fight."
The eight-division world champion hasn't yet revealed if this was his final bout or if he'll continue competing. "Manny doesn't know what he wants to do, he said maybe yes to the rematch," explained Sulaimán. "Before the fight happened, he was questioned, criticized, and even shamed by media, people, and promoters. He silenced many people. It was a great demonstration that at 46 years old, he can still perform at an elite level."
Will boxing fans get to see the Filipino legend lace up the gloves one more time? The sporting world now waits for Pacquiao's decision.
