Manny Pacquiao came agonisingly close to winning the WBC Welterweight World Title at 46-years-old tonight in Las Vegas.
The Filipino icon challenged champion Mario Barrios for the belt, showing flashes of his old self over the course of the twelve rounds but not doing enough to convince the judges, ultimately scoring a majority draw with one in favour of the champion 115-113 and the other two unable to split them at 114-114.
Many will feel the fighting legend did enough to win, and it is no surprise that he himself feels that way. Post-fight, Pacquiao said:
“I thought I won the fight. It was a close fight. Barrios is very tough and a wonderful fighter. He was good. I worked hard and had discipline. I’m trying to find a way to finish the fight but my opponent was so tough and not careless. He threw punches in combinations and had defence.
“It was hard. It’s inspiration to all boxers that if you have discipline and hard work you can still fight. I’m so thankful to god because without god Manny Pacquiao is not here. Tonight I’m more experienced and more tactical fighter than compared to before. Now I’m more careful. This is my first comeback but I need more aggressor style and more throwing punches. That’s my style.”
Asked if he would continue fighting, something he said he would with a win, Pacquiao seemed optimistic and called for a rematch.
“I think so. I think so. God willing. I only [had] two months training. What I need to do is continue my training. In a championship fight like this I should train three months, because of election in the Philippines I started late. Yes, of course [I want the rematch].
“That’s the only legacy I can leave behind. To give inspiration to the Filipino people and be proud.”
When asked about a return fight, Barrios said ‘absolutely.’
