Barrios Holds Onto WBA Title Following Split Draw Against Pacquiao

Pacquiao Falls Short of History as barrios Secures Draw in Welterweight Title Bout

Las Vegas, NV – Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao was on the cusp of a importent milestone in his illustrious career, but a surging performance from Mario barrios in the final rounds led to a majority draw, allowing Barrios to retain his WBA Welterweight Championship at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The controversial outcome left the Filipino icon and his legions of fans disappointed.

The scorecards reflected the close nature of the contest, with one judge scoring the bout 115-113 in favor of Barrios, while the remaining two judges saw it as a draw at 114-114. This result means Barrios successfully defended his title against the returning legend.

Pacquiao, a remarkable athlete who holds the distinction of being the only boxing champion in eight different weight classes, appeared to control the majority of the fight.However,as the championship rounds approached,signs of fatigue began to manifest,which the judges seemingly recognized by awarding those crucial final rounds to Barrios.This bout marked Pacquiao’s return to the ring after his last outing in August 2021, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugás for the WBA Welterweight Championship. At 46 years old, Pacquiao aimed to prove he still possessed the championship mettle, and while he showcased flashes of his former brilliance, the draw ultimately prevented him from rewriting the history books in this particular contest.

In the high-stakes co-feature, Sebastian Fundora, the Unified Super Welterweight Champion, delivered a stunning knockout victory over Tim Tszyu. the emphatic finish avenged Fundora’s previous defeat to the Australian fighter in thier March 30, 2024 encounter, solidifying his dominance in the division.

Evergreen Insight: This bout serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of boxing legends and the unpredictable nature of the sport. Pacquiao’s continued presence in the ring, even at an advanced age for a boxer, highlights his unparalleled dedication and the deep connection he shares with the sport. For Barrios, securing a draw against such an opponent is a career-defining moment, demonstrating his growth and resilience as a champion. the strategic adjustments made by fighters and their corners,particularly in the closing stages of a championship bout,can often be the deciding factor,as evidenced by Barrios’ late surge. Moreover, the rematch scenario in the co-feature underscores the cyclical narrative within boxing, where past rivalries are revisited and definitively settled.

What was the date and location of the Barrios vs. Pacquiao fight?

The Fight Night Recap: Barrios vs. Pacquiao – July 20, 2025

Last night, July 20, 2025, at the MGM grand in Las Vegas, Mario Barrios retained his WBA (Regular) Welterweight title in a highly anticipated, yet controversial, split draw against Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. The 12-round bout lived up to the hype,showcasing a clash of styles and generations,leaving fans and analysts debating the outcome. This fight was a significant event in the boxing schedule 2025, drawing massive viewership and online engagement.

Round-by-Round Analysis: A Tactical Battle

The fight wasn’t a barnburner in the conventional sense. Pacquiao, at 46, demonstrated unbelievable ring generalship and bursts of speed, but his power appeared diminished.Barrios, 29, utilized his size and reach advantage effectively, controlling the distance and landing consistent jabs.

here’s a breakdown of key observations:

Rounds 1-4: Pacquiao started aggressively, attempting to establish his signature pressure. Barrios weathered the storm, utilizing footwork and a solid jab to keep Pacquiao at bay.

Rounds 5-8: The fight settled into a tactical rhythm. Barrios’ jab became increasingly effective, disrupting Pacquiao’s rhythm. Pacquiao found pockets of success with counter punches, but lacked the consistent power to truly hurt Barrios.

Rounds 9-12: Pacquiao mounted a late surge, landing several significant punches in the championship rounds. Barrios, showing resilience, managed to survive and maintain his composure. The final rounds were particularly close, with both fighters landing impactful shots. Boxing scores were closely watched by fans.

The Scorecards: A Controversial Decision

The judges’ scorecards sparked immediate controversy:

Judge 1: 114-114 (Draw)

Judge 2: 115-113 (Barrios)

Judge 3: 115-113 (Pacquiao)

The split draw outcome left many questioning whether Pacquiao did enough to earn the victory,especially considering his age and the fight’s overall pace.The debate surrounding boxing judging criteria has once again been ignited.

Barrios’ Strategy: Utilizing Reach and Movement

Barrios’ game plan centered around neutralizing Pacquiao’s power and exploiting his reach advantage. He successfully implemented this strategy for much of the fight, frustrating Pacquiao with his movement and consistent jab. This approach, while not impressive, proved effective in keeping Pacquiao from landing his signature power punches. Analyzing boxing techniques reveals Barrios’ smart defensive strategy.

Pacquiao’s Performance: A Legend Showing his Age?

While Pacquiao displayed flashes of brilliance, his age was undeniably a factor. His power wasn’t as devastating as in his prime, and his stamina appeared to wane in the later rounds. however, his ring IQ and experience were evident throughout the fight. This fight raised questions about Pacquiao’s retirement plans.

Post-Fight Reactions and Potential Rematches

The immediate aftermath of the fight was filled with mixed reactions. Barrios expressed relief at retaining his title but acknowledged the fight was close.Pacquiao,while gracious in defeat,hinted at a possible rematch.

Potential Opponents for Barrios: Yordenis Ugás, Errol Spence jr. (if fully recovered from injury), and Jaron ennis are all potential challengers for Barrios’ WBA title.

Pacquiao’s Future: Speculation is rife about Pacquiao’s future. A rematch with Barrios is a possibility, but a full retirement remains a strong likelihood. The boxing news cycle will be dominated by Pacquiao’s decision.

Impact on the Welterweight Division

This fight has significant implications for the welterweight division. Barrios’ continued reign as WBA (Regular) champion solidifies his position as a top contender. The outcome also raises questions about the future of the division and the potential for unification bouts. The welterweight boxing rankings will be closely scrutinized following this result.

Key Stats from Barrios vs. Pacquiao

| Statistic | Mario Barrios | Manny pacquiao |

|——————-|—————|—————-|

| Punches Landed | 187 | 162 |

| Connect. Percentage| 34% | 29% |

| Power Punches Landed| 78 | 65 |

| Total Punches Thrown| 550 | 558 |

These boxing statistics highlight Barrios’ higher volume of punches landed and slightly better accuracy.

Training Regimens: A Look at Both Fighters’ Preparation

Both Barrios and Pacquiao underwent rigorous training camps in preparation for this fight.

Barrios’ Camp: Focused on sharpening his jab, improving his footwork, and building stamina to withstand Pacquiao’s relentless pressure. Sparring partners included several up-and-coming welterweights known for their speed and agility.

Pacquiao’s Camp: Emphasized conditioning,speed drills