The boxing world has been left seething after Manny Pacquiao’s return to the ring ended in a majority draw.
The 46-year-old earned a shot against 30-year-old WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios thanks to his protected ranking.
While many believed the champ would have proved too strong for the hall of famer, it was the elder statesman who showed he still has what it takes at the top level.
Pacquaio had his opponent scurrying around the ring as his nimble punches came in bunches over the majority of the 12 rounds.
As the final bell rang, the boxing world held its breath as the judges submitted their cards. It was when they were read out that outrage took over.
One judge scored the bout 115-113 to Barrios while the remaining two judges had it 114-114 with the fight ending in a majority draw. It means Barrios retains his WBC title.
Boxing fans watching on believed it was Pacquiao who should have had his hand raised and it wasn’t long before social media was flooded with anger.
Shakur Stevenson wrote: “Decision was crazy.”
Journalist Dan Rafael wrote: “A draw. Barrios retains the WBC welterweight title. That’s just absolutely awful. Beyond awful. Complete f***eration.”
DAZN’ s Steven Muehlhausen wrote: “This is where these commissions need to make the judges available to speak after fights. Scores likes this are inexcusable when the fight was fairly easy to score.”
Another on X wrote: “Get f***ed that’s a disgusting scorecard Manny Pacquiao has just been f***ing robbed he won that fight 115-113 get lost.”
Speaking after the fight, Pacquaio said he will be stepping back into the ring with Barrios agreeing the duo should run it back.
