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46 year old Pacquiao wants rematch following first bout in years

Sports · Dennis Masinde · July 21, 2025
46 year old Pacquiao wants rematch following first bout in years
In Summary

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

Manny Pacquiao says he wants a rematch against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios after missing out on the title on his return to boxing.

The 46-year-old Filipino, making his return to the ring four years after retiring, was held to a majority draw by 30-year-old Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

One judge scored the fight 115-113 in Barrios' favour, while the other two scored it 114-114.

Pacquiao, who has won 12 world titles across eight weight divisions, was ahead on the judges' scorecards going into the 10th round but lost the last three.

"I thought I won the fight," Pacquiao said. "It was a close fight. My opponent was very tough. It was a wonderful fight."

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

Pacquiao 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.

That Pacquiao lasted the distance was a triumph in itself.

In the early rounds he displayed speed and agility that belied his years, putting together vintage combinations.

After a two-month training camp, Pacquiao appeared in better shape than in 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas in his last fight.

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.

Barrios' age advantage started to tell as the fight wore on, with Pacquiao slowing down towards the end.

Pacquiao, who failed to win re-election as a senator in the Philippines government in May, was granted a title shot because of the WBC's rules on former champions coming out of retirement.

He spent two months in a training camp before the fight.

"His stamina is crazy," Barrios said.

"He's still strong as hell and his timing is real. He's still a very awkward fighter to try to figure out."

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