Manny Pacquiao almost completed the dream comeback against Mario Barrios but was held to a majority decision draw in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
Pacquiao had been out of boxing for four years and challenged for Barrios’s WBC welterweight title. The legendary Filipino impressed with his speed and power at 46 years old, reminding the world how he became one of the greats.
For those worried that this fight may have been a one-off, Pacquiao said this was not the end of his boxing journey.
Pacquiao said at the post-fight press conference: “Don’t worry. The ‘Pac Man’ is back, and the journey will continue.”
So, after such an impressive performance and with fuel still in the tank, what options lie ahead for the Filipino icon?
Mario Barrios rematch After such a close fight, a rematch would be an enticing proposition for the fans.
In their bout this past weekend, Pacquiao was ahead on two out of three judges’ scorecards, but lost the last three rounds, which cost him a historic win.
Pacquiao said he would like a rematch and that he would have a longer training camp headed into it.
He was forced to have an eight-week camp because of his electoral campaign in the Philippines.
Pacquiao said: “I need to continue my training for longer going into a championship fight. Because of the election, I started late, but it’s OK. Of course, I’d like a rematch. I want to leave a legacy and make the Filipino people proud.”
Barrios gave Pacquiao his due respect and also said he would love to do it again.
Barrios said: “He’s still strong as hell, and his timing is real. He’s still a very awkward fighter to try and figure out.
He added on the rematch: “I’ll do the rematch. Absolutely. This was huge for boxing. I’d love to do it again.”
