Bob Arum has shared his verdict on the result of Manny Pacquiao‘s recent clash with Mario Barrios.
The 46-year-old Filipino great made a sensational return to the ring against reigning WBC world welterweight champion Barrios on Saturday July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Despite the best efforts of ‘PacMan’, the eight-division world champion fell short to the younger fighter as the bout was declared a majority decision draw – a contentious decision for many who feel the Filipino challenger did enough to win.
Two out of the three judges scored the bout 114-114 even, whilst the other judge scored it 115-113 in favour of Barrios, who therefore retained his WBC welterweight title for in his second defence.
In an interview with Fight Hub TV, legendary promoter Arum shared his thoughts on his former charge Pacquiao’s showdown with Barrios, where he said he scored the fight a draw – what he believes was a ‘good result.’
“A good result was the draw. I was scoring it. I couldn’t make the fight, but I watched it from home. I had Manny winning six out of the first nine rounds … then I had the other guy [Barrios] winning the last three to make it a draw.”
Pacquiao has hinted that he intends to continue with his boxing career despite being a few months away from his 47th birthday.
Although it remains to be seen whether he will face Barrios in a rematch next, the 46-year-old is said to be interested in a clash with reigning WBA Lightweight champion Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis or WBA Welterweight champ Rolando Romero should either opportunity present itself.
