The Controversial Scorecards: Who *Really* Won The Pacquiao Vs. Barrios Welterweight War?

The question of "Who won?" has rarely been more contentious in boxing, especially when a legend like Manny Pacquiao is involved. As of today, December 10, 2025, the dust has settled—but the controversy has not—following the highly anticipated return of the "PacMan" against the reigning WBC Welterweight Champion, Mario "El Azteca" Barrios, which took place on July 19, 2025. The official result, a deeply divisive majority draw, has left fans, analysts, and the fighters themselves questioning the scoring.

The 12-round championship bout was a tense, back-and-forth affair that saw the 46-year-old Pacquiao demonstrate flashes of his legendary speed and power, while the younger, taller Barrios used his size and relentless pressure to control the distance. This article breaks down the official, controversial scorecards, explores the key moments, and details the future for both the Filipino icon and the retained champion.

Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios: Tale of the Tape and Full Profile

The clash between the two welterweights was a classic generational matchup, pitting a living legend against a formidable, in-prime champion. Here is a detailed look at the two combatants:

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Manny "PacMan" Pacquiao (The Challenger)

• Full Name: Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao
• Nickname: PacMan, The Destroyer
• Date of Birth: December 17, 1978
• Age at Fight: 46
• Nationality: Filipino
• Stance: Southpaw
• Professional Record (Pre-Barrios): 62 Wins (39 KOs), 8 Losses, 2 Draws
• Notable Achievements: Only eight-division world champion in boxing history, former Senator of the Philippines, regarded as one of the greatest professional boxers of all time.
• Weight Class for Barrios Fight: Welterweight (147 lbs)

Mario "El Azteca" Barrios (The Champion)

• Full Name: Mario Thomas Barrios
• Nickname: El Azteca
• Date of Birth: May 18, 1995
• Age at Fight: 30
• Nationality: Mexican-American (San Antonio, Texas, USA)
• Stance: Orthodox
• Professional Record (Pre-Pacquiao): 29 Wins (18 KOs), 1 Loss, 1 Draw
• Notable Achievements: Current WBC Welterweight World Champion, former WBA (Regular) Super Lightweight Champion, known for his height (6'0") and high-volume punching.
• Weight Class for Pacquiao Fight: Welterweight (147 lbs)

The Official Result: Pacquiao vs. Barrios Majority Draw

The highly anticipated "Pacquiao Returns" event, which took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, culminated in a result that stunned the boxing world. After 12 rounds of intense action, the WBC Welterweight World Championship remained with the incumbent champion, Mario Barrios, due to a majority draw decision.

The Divisive Scorecards

The official scorecards revealed the closeness and the controversy of the bout, showcasing the split opinions among the ringside judges:

• Judge 1: 114-114 (Draw)
• Judge 2: 114-114 (Draw)
• Judge 3: 115-113 (For Mario Barrios)

A majority draw occurs when at least two of the three judges score the contest as a draw, or when one judge scores it for one fighter and the other two score it as a draw. In this case, two judges saw the bout as an even contest, while the third judge gave a narrow two-point edge to Barrios. Since a draw does not result in a title change, "El Azteca" Mario Barrios successfully retained his WBC welterweight title.

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Key Moments and Controversies of the Welterweight Battle

The fight was a masterclass in contrasting styles, which ultimately led to the split decision. Pacquiao, the smaller fighter, relied on his trademark bursts of speed, in-and-out movement, and sharp angles. He consistently landed the cleaner, more eye-catching power shots, especially his straight left hand.

Barrios, on the other hand, employed a strategy of high-volume punching and physical pressure. His youth and superior reach allowed him to keep Pacquiao on the outside for stretches, and he often out-landed the Filipino legend in total punches thrown. The champion's body work was also a factor, slowing the 46-year-old down in the middle rounds.

The Controversy: Clean Shots vs. Volume

The debate surrounding the result—and the answer to "who won"—boils down to how the judges valued the two distinct approaches:

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• Pacquiao’s Argument (Quality): Many fans and analysts felt Pacquiao landed the more effective, damaging punches. In close rounds, the "PacMan" often finished stronger, stealing them with late flurries. Unofficial scorecards from media outlets were also split, with some giving the fight narrowly to Pacquiao (e.g., 115-113) and others to Barrios (e.g., 116-112).
• Barrios’ Argument (Quantity and Ring Generalship): Supporters of Barrios pointed to his consistent pressure, higher punch output, and the fact that he was the one controlling the ring for most of the fight. The majority draw affirmed that the judges respected Barrios's work rate and control.

The fight was a testament to Pacquiao's enduring legacy, proving he could still compete at the elite level against a world champion 16 years his junior. For Barrios, the draw was a successful defense, but one that came with a significant asterisk, as many believe the champion should have done more to definitively beat a returning, aging legend.

What’s Next for Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios?

The majority draw has set the stage for a potential rematch, an outcome that both fans and promoters would eagerly embrace. The WBC title remains at the center of the welterweight division, and the inconclusive nature of the first bout demands a second chapter.

Mario Barrios: The Retained Champion

Barrios (29-1-2) retained his WBC title, but the draw means his status as the undisputed top welterweight remains in question. A rematch with Pacquiao is the most lucrative and logical next step to silence the critics and prove he can decisively beat a future Hall of Famer. Alternatively, he may face other top contenders in the division, such as the winner of a potential Sebastian Fundora vs. Tim Tszyu rematch, or other high-ranking WBC challengers.

Manny Pacquiao: The Legend's Future

For Pacquiao (62-8-3), the performance was a moral victory. He proved his skills are still sharp, even at 46. While he had previously mentioned this was his final "return," the draw provides a compelling reason for one more major fight. The possibility of a second bout against Barrios is high, but the legend has also been linked to potential exhibitions or even a final mega-fight announcement scheduled for January 24, 2026, though an opponent is yet to be confirmed. The draw against Barrios, however, ensures that "PacMan" remains a massive draw and a relevant entity in the sport.

In conclusion, while the scorecards officially declared a majority draw, the debate over "who won" will continue to rage in boxing circles for years to come. The July 19, 2025, bout between Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios was a thrilling and controversial chapter in the welterweight division.