Fil-Am fans demand Pacquiao vs Barrios rematch: ‘No doubt next time’
Photo by Robert Gamo
LAS VEGAS — Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao’s return to the ring after four years ended Saturday night in a controversial draw against Mario Barrios, igniting calls for a rematch from Filipino American fans at the sold-out MGM Grand Garden Arena.
The 46-year-old Pacquiao, who headlined his first bout since retirement, drew shouts of disbelief when the judges declared the 12-round contest a draw. The result left fans divided and led to debate on Pacquiao’s legacy, age and future in boxing.
Photo by Robert Gamo
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The 13,107-seat arena buzzed with energy from the opening bell. Old-school traditions like national anthems and round card girls were skipped for a streamlined, broadcast-friendly show, but the atmosphere remained electric. Pacquiao’s name echoed throughout the building each time he pressed the action.
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Photo by Robert Gamo
After 12 rounds, Pacquiao appeared dissatisfied with the verdict.
“I thought I won the fight. It was a close fight. He was very tough,” Pacquiao said at the post-fight news conference. “Of course, I’d like a rematch. I want to leave a legacy and make the Filipino people proud.”
Photo by Robert Gamo
Pacquiao, showing flashes of his trademark aggression despite ring rust from a four-year layoff and a recent political run, impressed many fans with his stamina and tactical adjustments. He often stalked Barrios and launched combinations, but was unable to score a knockdown.
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His longtime trainer Freddie Roach praised the performance.
Freddie roach Photo by Robert Gamo
“Manny had a great performance. He hung in there, let his hands go and fought with heart. I thought he won the fight. Clearly, it was a great fight for us,” Roach told Inquirer.net USA.
Barrios, who weathered Pacquiao’s flurries and stayed competitive throughout the fight, said the moment was historic for his career.
Photo by Robert Gamo
“It was an honor to share the ring with him. This is the biggest event I’ve ever been part of,” Barrios said. “I’ll do the rematch. Absolutely. This was huge for boxing.”
Many of Pacquiao’s Filipino American fans, who traveled to Las Vegas from across the US hoping to witness another Pacquiao victory, want to see a rematch.
Jessie Claudio, an executive at Gimik Republik in Las Vegas, said, “I’m pretty disappointed with the draw. It felt like Pacman led most rounds. It was a great fight and definitely calls for a rematch – hopefully, they’ll leave no doubt next time.”
Jessie Claudio | CONTRIBUTED
JC Tolentino, a healthcare worker from New York, believes Pacquiao will win in a rematch. “Tonight’s match was electrifying. Manny, at 46, after a four-year hiatus, stepped back into the ring and held his own like a legend,”he said. “He clearly outclassed Barrios in most rounds, especially down the stretch.”
JC Tolentino | CONTRIBUTED
Some expressed both frustration and pride.
Teddy Castro, Pacquiao’s chess coach in Los Angeles, said, “I didn’t expect him to lose. He was very well conditioned. Do I agree with the result? Of course not. But this is boxing. The silver lining is he didn’t get hurt and he didn’t lose.”
Teddy Castro | CONTRIBUTED
Ringside, debate flared. Some critics argued Barrios could have been more aggressive, while others credited Pacquiao’s late surge.
For many, Pacquiao’s safe return was as meaningful as the score, reinforcing his legendary status.
“Pacquiao has always been our boxing hero,” said Jerry Castorillo, pastor at Las Vegas Valley Christian Fellowship. “His passion to fight has never faded. I’m still amazed his age didn’t affect him at all.”
Pastor Jerry Castorillo | CONTRIBUTED
Neither fighter showed hesitation about a second showdown, and calls for a rematch grew louder after the controversial decision.
As fans poured into the Vegas night, their “Manny! Manny! Manny!” chants signaled unfinished business for Pacquiao and for boxing.
