LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 19: Manny Pacquiao (R) hits Mario Barrios within the first spherical of their WBC welterweight title struggle at MGM Grand Backyard Enviornment on July 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The struggle was declared a majority draw and Barrios retained his title. Ethan Miller/Getty Photos/AFP (Picture by Ethan Miller / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Photos through AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Home of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez on Sunday described the return of Manny Pacquiao to the boxing scene as “victory in itself” regardless of the match ending in a draw.
Mario Barrios defended his world welterweight crown because the judges selected a majority draw on Sunday (Philippine time) on the MGM Grand Backyard Enviornment. This was Pacquiao’s return match, 4 years after his loss to Yordenis Ugas through unanimous determination.
READ: Pacquiao falls quick as Barrios retains WBC belt by majority draw
“As we speak, we witnessed two warriors go away all of it within the ring. And although the judges known as it a draw, for us Filipinos, the mere return of Manny Pacquiao to the worldwide boxing stage—at 46 years previous—is a victory in itself,” Romualdez mentioned in an announcement.
Romualdez famous that “it will not be the ending we hoped for,” he mentioned that the efficiency reminded the world who Pacquiao and Filipinos are— “powerful, courageous, and with dignity.”
“Manny confirmed the guts of a real champion: fearless, relentless, and stuffed with pleasure for his nation. In each punch, he brings the Philippines’ identify. In each transfer, the willpower of a Filipino who by no means provides up is felt,” Romualdez said.
READ: Pacquiao on Mayweather rematch speak: ‘Let’s struggle if he needs’
The Home Speaker then expressed his gratitude to Pacquiao for representing the Philippines within the worldwide boxing stage, emphasizing that “greatness is aware of no age, and that legacy will not be about wins and losses.”
Romualdez additionally provided respect to Barrios for a “hard-fought battle.” /mr
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