MANILA – Manny Pacquiao’s comeback may not have ended in victory, but the boxing icon is far from done — and he wants another shot at the crown.

“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 after settling for a majority draw against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on Sunday (Manila time) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The 12-round title bout was scored 115-113 for Barrios, and 114-114 on two cards, allowing the 30-year-old American to retain his belt.

It was Pacquiao’s first professional fight since 2021 and marked his return to the ring at age 46. Despite the layoff, the eight-division champion showed flashes of his prime, especially in the early and middle rounds where he pressed the action and landed flurries of punches.

He opened strong in the first two rounds, but Barrios adjusted by the third, using sharp jabs and counters to slow him down. Pacquiao surged again in rounds eight to ten, only for Barrios to finish stronger in the final stretch.

Barrios expressed willingness to run it back with the boxing legend. “I’ll do the rematch. Absolutely. This was huge for boxing. I’d love to do it again,” he said.

The dramatic outcome has left fans calling for a second bout — and both fighters appear ready to deliver.