LAS VEGAS, Nevada — A contentious majority draw between Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios sparked disappointment and criticism across the boxing world on Saturday night.

The 12-round bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena marked the 46-year-old Pacquiao’s return to professional boxing after a four-year retirement. Despite a spirited performance and strong early rounds, Pacquiao was unable to reclaim a world title as judges ruled the contest a majority draw.

One judge scored the bout 115–113 in favor of Barrios, while the remaining two scored it evenly at 114–114. The result allowed Barrios, 30, to retain his WBC welterweight title.

Fans and Analysts Express Frustration

The decision was met with immediate backlash, both inside the arena and online. Fans, boxing experts, and former champions expressed frustration, arguing that Pacquiao had done enough to secure a victory.

Former welterweight champion Shawn Porter criticized the judges, saying on Main Event coverage:

“When you have incompetent judges that don’t truly understand everything they see… you’re taking a chance on working through another camp, putting your heart and life on the line, and this is the result you get.”

Veteran boxing journalist Dan Rafael posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“A draw. Barrios retains the WBC welterweight title. That’s just absolutely awful. Beyond awful.”

DAZN’s Steven Muehlhausen added:

“This is where these commissions need to make the judges available to speak after fights. Scores like this are inexcusable when the fight was fairly easy to score.”

A Close Fight for Pacquiao, Respect from Barrios

Pacquiao, the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, showed flashes of his trademark speed and punching power, repeatedly pressuring Barrios and landing clean combinations in the middle rounds. His performance drew loud support from fans eager to witness a historic comeback.

“I thought I won the fight,” a dejected Pacquiao said. “It was a close fight. He was very tough.”

Barrios, who struggled in the middle rounds but rallied late, expressed deep admiration for his veteran opponent:

“I thought I pulled it out. It was an honour to share the ring with Manny — his stamina, power, timing. He’s still incredibly strong and awkward.”

“It was an honor to share the ring with him. This is by far the biggest event I’ve had to date and we came in here and left everything in the ring. I have nothing but respect for Manny.”

Despite the controversy, Pacquiao’s performance was widely praised, with some calling it one of the most impressive showings by a fighter in his mid-40s. A victory would have made him the oldest welterweight champion in history and the only active Hall of Famer to win a world title.

Screengrab from a video by Chavit Singson