Manny Pacquiao Fights Mario Barrios to Majority Draw for WBC Welterweight Title in Las Vegas – (Highlights)

Filipino legend delivers strong performance but falls short of championship at 46.

Written by Jake Blend
Last updated on July 20th, 2025
Manny Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao - Image credit @premierboxing X.com

Manny Pacquiao showed he’s still a force. On July 19, 2025, the 46-year-old Filipino boxing legend battled Mario Barrios to a majority draw at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. After a four-year break, Pacquiao’s speed and combinations nearly won him the WBC welterweight title.

Fight Recap and Close Outcome

The 12-round bout aired on Prime Video pay-per-view. Pacquiao started strong, using quick jabs and left crosses to control the first three rounds. Barrios, the younger champion, landed body shots in round three and gained momentum by round four. Pacquiao led on all judges’ scorecards after nine rounds but slowed in the later rounds.

Barrios rallied in the final three rounds, landing precise punches. Two judges scored it 114-114, while one gave Barrios a 115-113 edge, resulting in a majority draw. Pacquiao landed 101 of 577 punches at 17.5 percent, while Barrios connected on 120 of 658 at 18.2 percent. Trainer Freddie Roach scored it 116-112 for Pacquiao. Both fighters expressed interest in a rematch.

Manny Pacquiao, now 62-8-3 with 39 knockouts, is boxing’s only eight-division world champion. He turned pro in 1995, winning titles from flyweight to super welterweight. His last fight was a decision loss to Yordenis Ugas on August 21, 2021, leading to a brief retirement. Pacquiao’s last win was a split decision over Keith Thurman on July 20, 2019. A former senator, he joined the Boxing Hall of Fame in June 2025.

Mario Barrios, now 29-2-2 with 18 knockouts, is a 30-year-old from San Antonio. He won the interim WBC welterweight title in 2023 and became full champion in 2024 after Terence Crawford vacated it. Barrios has victories over Yordenis Ugas and Fabian Maidana but lost to Gervonta Davis in 2021 and Keith Thurman in 2022. His jab and power tested Pacquiao.

The fight headlined a Premier Boxing Champions card. Sebastian Fundora stopped Tim Tszyu in round seven to retain his WBC super welterweight title in the co-main event. Isaac Cruz won a unanimous decision over Omar Salcido with scores of 99-89, 99-89, and 100-88. Brandon Figueroa beat Joet Gonzalez by unanimous decision with scores of 115-113, 116-112, and 116-112. Pacquiao’s son, Emmanuel, won his pro debut on the undercard.

Pacquiao’s performance at 46 was impressive. He came close to becoming the second-oldest world champion, behind Bernard Hopkins, who won a title at 48. Pacquiao said he believed he won but praised Barrios’ toughness. Barrios called it an honor to face a legend. The draw keeps Pacquiao’s comeback alive, with a rematch or another major fight possible.

Published on July 20, 2025 at 9:01 am
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Jake Blend

Jake Blend
Jake Blend is an experienced combat sports writer with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. Over the past 6 years, he has relentlessly covered the evolving landscapes of mixed martial arts, boxing, and Muay Thai. Whether he is reporting on the latest UFC matchups, breaking down championship fight camps, or interviewing athletes, Jake's deep-rooted passion for the sport shines through in every article.

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