MANILA — Manny Pacquiao’s return to the ring ended in a dramatic stalemate as his bid to reclaim glory fell just short against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, with their bout ending in a majority draw Sunday (Manila time) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Judges scored the 12-round clash 115-113 in favor of Barrios, while the other two saw it even at 114-114, allowing the 30-year-old American to retain his title.

Fighting professionally for the first time since 2021, the 46-year-old Pacquiao showed flashes of his trademark speed and relentless style, especially in the early and middle rounds. He opened strong, peppering Barrios with quick combinations and forward pressure.

Barrios, however, weathered the storm and found his rhythm by the third round, using jabs and counters to disrupt Pacquiao’s momentum. While the Filipino legend surged again between rounds eight and ten, Barrios closed the fight stronger, capitalizing on Pacquiao’s slowed output in the championship rounds.

Despite the draw, Pacquiao’s performance — at 46 and after a three-year layoff — drew praise and renewed calls for a possible rematch.

“I thought I won the fight… Of course, I’d like a rematch. I want to leave a legacy and make the Filipino people proud,” Pacquiao said post-fight.

Barrios, for his part, welcomed the idea. “I’ll do the rematch. Absolutely. This was huge for boxing. I’d love to do it again.”

The result leaves open the possibility of another chapter between the boxing icon and the reigning champion. (PNA)