Manny Pacquiao, the boxing legend and former eight-division world champion, is calling for a rematch with WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios following their highly debated draw on July 20, 2025, in Las Vegas. The 46-year-old Filipino icon, who returned to the ring after a three-year hiatus, believes the judges’ decision did not reflect the true outcome of the fight.
The 12-round bout saw Pacquiao dominate early with his signature speed and combinations, while Barrios, 30, rallied late, landing significant power shots. The judges scored it 114-114 across all three cards, leaving both fighters and fans divided. Pacquiao, visibly frustrated, stated in the post-fight press conference, “I felt I did enough to win. The fans deserve a clear result, and I want to give them that in a rematch.”
Barrios, defending his title for the second time, expressed openness to a rematch, saying, “If Manny wants to run it back, I’m ready. I proved I belong in the ring with a legend.” Promoters are already in talks, with a potential rematch slated for early 2026, pending negotiations.
The draw has reignited discussions about Pacquiao’s place in modern boxing and whether the aging star can still compete at the elite level. A rematch could settle the score and determine if “Pac-Man” has one last championship run in him.
Premier Boxing Champions on X (formerly Twitter): “.@mannypacquiao vs @boxer_barrios ENDS IN A DRAW‼️. WHAT. A. FIGHT. 🔥 #PacquiaoBarrios pic.twitter.com/rMV5Hromc4 / X”
@mannypacquiao vs @boxer_barrios ENDS IN A DRAW‼️. WHAT. A. FIGHT. 🔥 #PacquiaoBarrios pic.twitter.com/rMV5Hromc4
