Despite an unfavorable outcome, eight-division world champion Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao turned back the clock with a vintage performance against the much younger welterweight champion, Mario Barrios.
By the time the final bell rang, Manny Pacquiao had done everything but win the fight.
He out-threw, out-landed, and out-hustled a younger Mario Barrios in his long-awaited comeback bout and yet putting up a gutsy performance, the scorecards told a different story as the fight ended in a majority draw.
[ALSO READ: Pacquiao-Barrios ends in majority draw; Barrios retains WBC welterweight crown]
Two days after the fight, Pacquiao took time to share his thoughts on the match and his return to the ring after nearly four years.
"Even after all these years, I felt great there. I thank God for the strength and grace to still compete at this level," he wrote.
[ALSO READ: Manny Pacquiao, forever box office | GUTS AND GLORY]
The eight-division world champion also extended his gratitude to his family while describing Barrios as a "true warrior."
"It was an honor to share the ring with you," the 46-year-old continued.
“Thank you to all my fans around the world, especially my fellow Filipinos. This may not have been the result we wanted, but I gave my best. I will always fight with heart—for God, for family, and for country. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. To God be all the glory,” he ended.
Pacquiao’s spirited return to the ring after a four-year layoff ended in a majority draw against Barrios, who retained his WBC welterweight title in a tightly-contested bout.
One ringside judge handed down a 115-113 verdict for Barrios, while the other two had it 114-114, allowing the 30-year-old Texan to hold on to his belt by the narrowest of margins.
“I thought I won the fight,” Pacquiao said. “It was a close fight. My opponent was very tough. It was a wonderful fight.”
[ALSO READ: Manny Pacquiao on majority draw vs Mario Barrios for WBC belt: 'I thought I won the fight']
Despite being 46, Pacquiao moved quickly around the ring, looking much like his younger self. He began gaining control in the seventh round, landing several powerful left hands, and won the following three rounds on two of the judges’ cards, and two rounds on the third.
But Barrios responded in the later rounds and eventually retained his title in a result that drew mixed reactions from boxing fans.
It was indeed a vintage Pacman showing, and the multi-time Fighter of the Year hopes to inspire older boxers with his performance.
“When you have discipline and hard work, you can still fight,” he said.
Pacquiao added: “I love the Filipino people and give honor to my country. That’s the only legacy I can leave behind—to give inspiration to the Filipino people.
[ALSO READ: Manny Pacquiao proud to inspire at 46 after majority draw vs WBC champion Barrios]