Barrios retains WBC welterweight title after Pacquiao draw

Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios fought to a majority draw in their WBC welterweight title showdown, a result that preserves Barrios’s title and leaves the boxing world weighing a potential rematch as Pacquiao signals a December return. With Pacquiao returning to ring activity after a four-year hiatus, the verdict has already sharpened questions about the next steps for the 46-year-old legend and the most viable path to extending his storied career.

The Las Vegas confrontation on July 19 produced a tightly contested 12 rounds, with two judges at 114-114 and the third at 115-113 in favor of Barrios. Pacquiao, who sought to become the oldest welterweight champion in history, believed he had done enough to win, while Barrios emerged from a grueling night convinced he had done enough to protect his title. The bout showcased Pacquiao’s continued speed and aggression, even as Barrios kept pace with movement and steady distance. CompuBox figures reflected a close contest, underscoring the back-and-forth nature of the action. In the wake of the decision, both fighters expressed a willingness to revisit the pairing, with Pacquiao noting the desire to “leave a legacy” and Barrios...