LAS VEGAS — Covering a Manny Pacquiao fight holds a unique prestige for any Filipino journalist — it’s a professional milestone akin to witnessing a Miss Universe coronation.
I’ve reported on Pacquiao’s bouts countless times, and while I don’t claim expert status, my passion for his story — his unmatched commitment, energy, and the pride he brings to Filipinos — elevates every ringside assignment.
Last night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Pacquiao’s long-awaited return against Mario Barrios rekindled all these emotions, alongside the perennial debates surrounding boxing’s scoring and legacy.
Having also weathered controversy covering Pacquiao in the past — including defending his views despite personally disagreeing as a member of the LGBTQ+ community — my respect for Pacquiao’s heart has always taken precedence in my reports. But my commentary, as always, is shaped by what unfolds in the ring.
The much-anticipated Pacquiao-Barrios bout ended in a draw — an outcome that split opinion across the arena and the international boxing community. Seated in the front row of the first bleacher level, directly above ringside, I had a clear, elevated view of every flurry, every clinch, and the nuanced exchanges that defined this contest. This vantage point offered not only proximity but also perspective on both the action in the ring and the reactions from the surrounding press.
Let’s be clear: Pacquiao — at 46 and after a four-year hiatus — defied expectations, demonstrating footwork, aggression and resilience that rivaled fighters decades younger.
However, despite Pacquiao’s electrifying opening round and bursts of energy throughout, it was Barrios whose performance, to my eye, reflected greater precision and composure.
Barrios fought with deliberate timing, unfurling punches that made their mark — their effect visible in Pacquiao’s immediate reactions. He appeared steadier, more measured, and, crucially, more powerful when he committed to his offense. Yet, he often fought with noticeable caution, respecting Pacquiao’s legacy and perhaps holding back from pushing harder for a decisive closure.
After the final bell, I was the lone reporter who directed my question not at Pacquiao but at his legendary trainer, Freddie Roach.
Roach, whose battle with Parkinson’s has affected his speech, reaffirmed his belief that Pacquiao had done enough to win — an opinion echoed by sections of the crowd and Pacquiao’s loyal supporters. Still, after reviewing both the live action and replays, I held a different perspective: Barrios had done just enough to take the victory on points.
My assessment is not meant to diminish Pacquiao’s effort.
His persistent ring movement and evident determination were remarkable for an athlete his age, especially after only two months of training camp. But, as observed from press row, his tactics remained unchanged — relying on speed and volume over tactical adjustment — a strategy that may have left openings for Barrios’s crisp counters.
The judges’ final scores, split between both fighters and culminating in a draw, sparked its own set of questions.
In an industry where legacy, respect, and business interests coalesce, was the draw a product of sentimentality for Pacquiao, boxing’s enduring global ambassador?
Was it a business calculation, avoiding the “embarrassment” of handing a legend a loss on his comeback? Or was it just another example of the opaque politics that occasionally mar the sport?
The reality is that Pacquiao’s presence alone electrifies arenas, sustains betting markets, and draws global attention unmatched by almost any other figure in boxing today.
For me, Pacquiao vs. Barrios felt less like a traditional title fight and more like a respectful exhibition — one that ultimately honored a national hero while giving fans a taste of boxing’s enduring drama. I may stand in the minority believing Barrios edged the contest, but that, too, is the enduring beauty and frustration of this sport.
It was a privilege to cover yet another chapter in the Pacquiao saga — a privilege and pleasure that, in the end, only reinforces my respect for the fighter who continues to inspire, regardless of the official result.
