How Boxing Took More from Manny Pacquiao Than Just the WBC Title: Discover His Lost Opportunity

LAS VEGAS — Boxing’s judges struck again, leaving fans disheartened after Saturday’s fight.

Manny Pacquiao, at the age of 46, stepped into the ring against Mario Barrios, looking vibrant and ready to prove the naysayers wrong. Instead of fading into the past, he surged forward, showcasing a mix of skill, urgency, and Filipino pride that captivated the crowd. The atmosphere was electric in the MGM Grand Garden Arena, reminiscent of classic boxing moments.

Despite being four years away from the ring, Pacquiao fought with the energy of a younger athlete. His performance rivaled legendary bouts in boxing history, drawing comparisons to Bernard Hopkins and Archie Moore, who also defied age in their careers.

The fight gathered 13,107 excited fans, eager to witness a comeback. Leading up to the match, Pacquiao’s presence was felt everywhere in Las Vegas. He fought valiantly, edging out Barrios, or so it seemed to many. Uncrowned’s live scorecard gave Pacquiao the win, 116-113, which felt about right. He was on his way to making history as the oldest welterweight champion.

But boxing can be unpredictable. Ultimately, the judges scored it as a majority draw. Fans left feeling confused and disappointed.

In the ring, Pacquiao looked remarkably fit for his age, moving swiftly, and his punches landed with force. Barrios, while skilled, struggled to keep pace. He jabbed sparingly and often waited too long to react. Pacquiao danced around him, shrugging off missed punches and landing combinations that left Barrios with noticeable swelling and bruises.

In the tenth round, Barrios began to show signs of aggression, adhering to his trainer’s advice. Still, it was too late. Many in the audience believed Pacquiao earned a clear victory, only to watch as the judges saw it differently. Tim Cheatam and Steve Weisfeld scored it 114-114, while Max DeLuca leaned toward Barrios, giving him a 115-113 score. These results were disappointing for Pacquiao and his loyal fans, who felt robbed of a well-deserved moment.

The scoring issues in boxing aren’t new. According to a study by the International Boxing Association, close decisions often spark controversy and frustration among fans and fighters alike. Many believe the scoring needs a reform to reflect the true nature of the fights instead of leaving them in the judges’ hands.

After the match, Pacquiao expressed his belief that he had won. Barrios acknowledged Pacquiao’s strength, commenting on his relentless stamina and tricky fighting style. Both fighters hinted at a rematch, a potential showdown that could reignite the excitement surrounding boxing.

As Pacquiao contemplates stepping back in the ring, the age gap with Barrios remains. However, with both fighters stating their desire for a rematch, the next bout could offer Pacquiao another chance to carve his name in history, should it go his way this time.

In the world of boxing, even a loss can’t take away the moment. For Pacquiao, the night in Las Vegas will forever be a testament to his enduring spirit and legendary status in the ring.

Source link

Manny Pacquiao, Mario Barrios, welterweight champion