Manny Pacquiao Calls for Rematch with Mario Barrios After Controversial Draw: ‘I Need More Training!’

Manny Pacquiao is itching for a rematch with Mario Barrios after their recent bout ended in a controversial majority draw. The fight, held on Saturday night, saw two judges scoring it as a 114-114 tie, while a third judge favored Barrios 115-113. As a result, Barrios retained his WBC welterweight title, boosting his record to 29 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, with 18 knockouts. For Pacquiao, this was a comeback after four years away from the ring, leaving him with a career record of 62-8-3 and 39 KOs.

“I thought I won,” Pacquiao stated after the match. If he had taken the win, he would have made history as the second-oldest boxer to claim a major world title. Now, he’s determined to get another shot at Barrios and plans to train differently for the next fight.

“I need to train longer for a championship fight,” he shared. Pacquiao acknowledged he started his training late due to his Senate campaign in the Philippines, where he ultimately lost his bid.

During the match, Pacquiao started strong, showcasing his speed and skill. However, as the rounds progressed, he seemed to tire, allowing Barrios to gain ground on the scorecards. Many fans and analysts felt Pacquiao deserved the win, pointing out how close the fight truly was.

Boxing promoter Lou DiBella expressed his disbelief, saying, “Manny Pacquiao losing like that feels like a letdown for the sport.” Another commentator, Alan Dawson, echoed these sentiments, insisting, “It really feels like Manny got robbed of a legendary win.”

According to CompuBox stats, Pacquiao landed 101 out of 577 punches, with a notable 81-75 advantage in power punches. In comparison, Barrios connected on 120 out of 658 punches.

Barrios has shown interest in a rematch as well, acknowledging the excitement their fight generated for boxing. “Absolutely, I’d love to do it again,” he said.

This match raised questions about age and performance in boxing. At 46, Pacquiao’s return is a rare feat, and it reflects his enduring legacy in the sport. As technology and training methods evolve, many younger boxers face stiff competition from veteran fighters who continue to defy age. A recent study in the Journal of Sports Science emphasizes the importance of experience and tactical skill in older athletes, suggesting that seasoned fighters can still compete effectively against younger opponents.

As fans eagerly await news of a potential rematch, it serves as a reminder of Pacquiao’s impact on boxing and the unpredictability of the sport’s outcomes.



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Manny Pacquiao, Mario Barrios, majority draw, Premier Boxing Champions, welterweight championship