Pacquiao accepts draw verdict, grateful he did not suffer defeat

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Initially saddened by his majority draw with welterweight world champion Mario Barrios, Manny Pacquiao chooses to look at the silver lining

LAS VEGAS, USA – Manny Pacquiao has accepted his majority draw with WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in stride.

A day after he was denied of becoming the only boxer to win world crowns in four decades, Pacquiao attended a church service on Sunday, July 20 (Monday, July 21, Manila time), at the Studio Ballroom of the MGM Grand. He looked happy and at peace with himself.  

“I know a lot of people got disappointed. It’s okay. I’m happy with my performance. At least, I didn’t lose like the last time I fought,” Pacquiao told hundreds of people in attendance.

Pacquiao lost by unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas in 2021.

Slowing down against Barrios, Pacquiao yielded the last three rounds and allowed the Mexican-American to keep the WBC belt at the MGM Grand Arena.

At first, Pacquiao was bitter with the verdict, insisting he thought he won, 8-4.

But after thinking it over during the night, Pacquiao accepted his fate and decided to speak before the big crowd.

After the service, Pacquiao signed souvenir items brought by the attendees before leaving to join his family traveling to Los Angeles, where he would take a rest before returning to the Philippines in August.

Although he’s open to a rematch with Barrios, other names like Rolly Romero and Gervonta Davis have cropped up as probable opponents.

Pacquiao said nothing is definite yet as he has to consult with members of his team.

Pacquiao’s performance against Barrios merited praise even from unexpected sources, including Ugas.

“Damn, but I’d heard all along that the Pacquiao who fought me was finished, dead, nothing,” Ugas wrote on X. “How is it possible that four years later he comes against a kid 16 years younger and puts up another good fight?”

“It was a very close fight. But Pac Man is incredible. Without a doubt, one of the best fighters in history.”

Ugas should know. He lost to Barrios during the bout on September 30, 2023.

– Rappler.com