Barrios (L) Pacquiao (R) Fought To A Draw
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Joshua Garcia
Resurrecting Boxing careers is not often done easily, but if anyone can make it look flawless it’s the Philippines cultural legend, politician and world class fighter, Manny Pacquiao. PacMan as most of world knows is 46-year old Pacquiao. He did not leave the comfort of his family and retirement to be a novelty. That was made crystal clear when he chose to step into the MGM Grand Garden Arena last Saturday to face WBC Welterweight champion, Mario Barrios.
San Antonio’s own Mario “El Azteca” Barrios, the current champion with a 29-2-1 record faced one of the greatest fighters in the history of the sport, the only man to win titles in four different decades as Pacquiao did. Barrios not only had the task of beating Pacquiao but was also trying to lose the admiration fandom and respect in the process, because too much respect almost certainly leads to a loss.
For 46 years of age, Manny Pacquiao’s performance astonished the boxing world, returning to form as the Filipino Flash that he has been for the entirety of his Hall-Of-Fame career. While Mario Barrios attempted to fight off the living legend and retain his belt with a strong jab and younger legs with less wear and tear.
The PBC Broadcast Team repeatedly uttered that Manny Pacquiao hadn’t lost a step, while those that have been watching since he was the lightest of the lightweights see a little bounce missing, but that left hand is still lightning speed after his signature jab. Barrios plain and simple did not do enough to seal a win over someone who will gain every judges benefit of the doubt when it comes to the scorecards.
Following 12 back and forth rounds the three judges ringside were deadlocked on taking a title from a younger in his prime fighter, in lieu of a 46-year old fighter returning to the ring after a 4 year layoff. Although Manny Pacquiao did not come away with a victory or another championship belt to add to his collection, post fight he was quoted as being very pleased with his performance. Manny found tremendous pride in pushing the current champion in Mario Barrios to the brink and possibly even upsetting him, according to everyone in attendance, but the three judges.
Mario Barrios should feel lucky to have kept his WBC Championship Title, but if his draw against Abel Ramos wasn’t enough of a wake up call, the tape of this fight should ring a fire engine bell. Barrios is not doing enough to solidify himself as the top of the Welterweight division, and it doesn’t matter the caliber of the opponent, draws don’t make all time greats, and if that is what Barrios wants to be he’s got work to do.
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