Boxing fans witnessed a thrilling return to the ring as Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao faced Mario “El Azteca” Barrios on July 19, 2025, at the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This WBC welterweight title bout wasn’t just about belts—it was a statement from the 46‑year‑old legend aiming to become the oldest welterweight champion in boxing history.
Barrios entered with a clear height and reach advantage, and early rounds were a tactical chess match. Pacquiao, despite being four years removed from the sport, showed flashes of his old brilliance. Barrios used distance and precision to keep the Filipino icon guessing.
🎥 Full Fight Highlights & Replay
If you missed it live, watch the full fight replay here.
You’ll see Pacquiao’s aggressive combinations and Barrios’s crisp counters in a 12-round back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
🥊 Round-by-Round Highlights
- Round 1: Barrios opened strong, using his jab and footwork to control distance. Pacquiao stayed cautious, looking for openings.
- Round 3: Pacquiao landed a signature left straight that got the crowd roaring. This was the round where he began to pressure Barrios and close the gap.
- Round 5: Both fighters had success. Pacquiao worked the body, but Barrios countered beautifully off the ropes, landing a clean uppercut.
- Round 7: Barrios’s best round. He stunned Pacquiao with a sharp right hook and kept him at bay with combinations and lateral movement.
- Round 10: Pacquiao surged, landing a flurry to the head and body. He backed Barrios into the ropes and finished the round strong with a well-timed left to the midsection.
- Round 12: Both men emptied the tank. Pacquiao came forward looking for a statement finish, while Barrios used smart clinching and counters to survive the final push.
📊 Official Judges' Scorecards
- Judge 1: 114–114 (Draw)
- Judge 2: 114–114 (Draw)
- Judge 3: 115–113 (Barrios)
The fight ended in a majority draw, with Barrios narrowly holding on to his WBC welterweight title despite Pacquiao’s valiant effort.
🎙️ Post-Fight Reactions
Pacquiao: “I thought I won the fight… it was a close fight. My opponent was very tough. It was a wonderful fight.”
Barrios: “I thought I still pulled it out… I tip my hat to Manny. It was an honor to share the ring with a legend.”
The mutual respect between both fighters was evident, and both hinted at the possibility of a rematch.
📅 What’s Next?
This result brings Pacquiao’s record to 62‑9‑2 and Barrios’s to 29‑2‑2. A potential rematch has already stirred excitement online, with many calling for a second bout to take place in Manila or another major venue.
This was more than just a fight—it was a legacy performance. At 46, Pacquiao showed he still belongs on the world stage, defying critics and inspiring millions.
✅ Click here to watch the full Pacquiao vs Barrios replay video.
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