Pacquiao calls for rematch after losing welterweight title

Pacquiao calls for rematch after losing welterweight title

Manny Pacquiao described his draw with Mario Barrios as a tough clash after missing out on the title on his return to boxing.

The Filipino made a return to boxing to fight the WBC world welterweight title holder at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, four years after retiring.

The clash ended in a draw but Barrios was awarded the fight 115-113 by one judge, with the other two cards scoring it 114-114 .

Pacquiao was ahead on the judges’ scorecards going into the 10th round but lost the last three to allow Barrios to retain the title.

The 46-year-old admitted that the bout was tough while asking for a rematch.

He said: “I thought I won the fight,” Pacquiao said afterwards. I mean, it was a close fight. My opponent was very tough. But it was a wonderful fight.

“I was trying to find a way to finish the fight but my opponent was so tough. He threw punches in combination and with defense, so it was hard.

Asked if he wants a rematch, he said: “Yes, of course.”

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Barrios hailed Pacquiao’s stamina in the bout, maintaining that he deserved the draw.

He said: “I thought I pulled it out. But I still tip my hat to Manny. It was an honor to share the ring with him, somebody with so much experience who has accomplished so much in this sport. We left everything in the ring, nothing but love and respect.

“That’s crazy — his stamina, he can still crack and he’s still strong as hell. His timing, his rhythm, everything. He was still a very awkward fighter to figure out.”

Pacquiao landed 101 of his 577 punches (17.5%) compared to Barrios’ 120 from 658 (18.2%). Pacquiao landed 81 power punches to Barrios’ 75.

He became the oldest fighter to win the welterweight title when he did so at the age of 40 in 2019.

No fighter has won a major world title after being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame – Pacquiao was given the honour in June 2025.

Pacquiao’s last professional win was a split decision over Keith Thurman in July 2019, where he won the WBA welterweight title by split decision. The WBA later stripped him of the title due to inactivity.

In 2001, after an unsuccessful attempt to reclaim the WBA welterweight title against Yordenis Ugás, which he lost via unanimous decision, he announced his retirement.

In retirement, he has faced martial artist DK Yoo and kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in exhibitions.

Pacquiao ventured into politics in his native Philippines, serving as a senator from 2016 to 2022. He ran for president during his final year in office, finishing third.

He is currently running for Senate again, with the election for the race coming up on May 12.

Pacquiao is the only boxer in history to win major world titles in eight weight classes and retired as a twelve-time world champion.

Pacquiao calls for rematch after losing welterweight title