History Slips From Pacquiao's Hands as Barrios Fight Ends in Majority Draw

46-year-old Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao was again about to make history but he allowed to slip it away in the championship rounds as defending WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios won the last three rounds of their fight on all the judges scorecards to salvage a draw at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Saturday night (Sunday in Manila).

Judges Tim Cheatham and Steve Weisfeld had it 114-114 even after 12 rounds while Max DeLuca had 115-113 in favor of Barrios. The majority draw decision allowed Barrios to retain his belt. Pacquiao was ahead in the scorecards 87-84, 87-87 and 86-85 after the 9th round.

Pacquiao flashed glimpses of his old form throwing combination in bunches, darting in and out, moving side to side, and these would have been enough to defeat a young, in his peak world champion in Mario Barrios but apparently the age factor affected Pacquiao in the championship rounds as he failed to close the show against Barrios.

Despite the official decision, Pacquiao was resolute in his post-fight assessment. Speaking with PBC interviewer Jim Gray, a visibly disappointed but composed Pacquiao stated, "I thought I won the fight." Demonstrating his enduring hunger and competitive spirit, he swiftly added that he intends to continue fighting and expressed a strong desire for an immediate rematch with Barrios.

Mario Barrios, still the champion by virtue of the draw, echoed Pacquiao's sentiments for a second encounter. "Pacquiao still has it. The movement, the timing, it's all still there despite his age," Barrios told Jim Gray, shaking his head in disbelief, "It's crazy." His acknowledgment of Pacquiao's enduring skills, even after a tough fight, added another layer of respect to their rivalry.

The majority draw leaves a compelling cliffhanger for the welterweight division. Pacquiao was on the verge of making history as one of the oldest world champions ever, while Barrios's late rally showcased his championship resolve. With both fighters eager for a second dance, the boxing world will eagerly await news of a potential rematch that could finally deliver a definitive conclusion to this thrilling chapter.