Legendary trainer Freddie Roach has spoken out in the aftermath of Manny Pacquiao’s sensational return to the ring.
The 46-year-old from the Philippines fought to a majority decision draw against reigning WBC world welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, with two judges scoring it 114-114 and one judge scoring it 115-113 for Barrios.
Pacquiao hadn’t appeared as a professional prior to this since the summer of 2021, although the Filipino icon was in tremendous shape and proved his doubters wrong with what was an impressive performance despite the considerable age gap.
Many fans and analysts in attendance felt that ‘PacMan’ had done enough to be declared the winner and become the oldest world welterweight champion of all time, but it wasn’t to be for the eight division world champion.
Speaking in the post-fight press conference, Pacquiao’s long-time trainer Roach shared his thoughts on the fight where he admits he believes his fighter had done enough to win, before making the call for an immediate rematch.
“We had a great fight, Manny fought very well and he even had a knockdown in there somewhere that didn’t count but I thought he won the fight eight [rounds] to four but that’s the way things go and we would like a rematch right away for sure.”
Pacquiao has already announced that he intends to fight on and continue his boxing career, which has now entered its 30th year, although it remains to be seen whether the 46-year-old will be granted a rematch against Barrios.
