Robbery in the Ring? Boxing Legends React to Pacquiao-Barrios Draw

By Rey Fortaleza, Oly

“Na-hold up si Manny!” Yan ang sigaw ng maraming boxing fans sa buong mundo matapos ang controversial majority draw decision sa laban ni Filipino boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao kontra kay Mario Barrios sa kanilang championship bout kagabi sa Las Vegas.

From the very first round to the final bell, Pacquiao looked like the sharper, faster, and more aggressive fighter. His signature flurries, ring generalship, and clean combinations appeared to overwhelm Barrios for most of the fight. Kaya naman marami, hindi lang fans kundi pati mga eksperto sa boxing, ang nagulat sa resulta.

Veteran boxing broadcaster Jim Gray didn’t hold back in his post-fight commentary:

“I thought Pacquiao clearly won this fight. He landed more, dictated the pace, and made Barrios miss all night. This was a gift to Barrios, no doubt.”

Sabi pa ni former world champion Shawn Porter, na kasama sa broadcast panel:

“This wasn’t a draw. Manny controlled the ring and made the better case. I had it 117-111 for Pacquiao. The judges got it wrong.”

Para sa marami, ito’y tila déjà vu—isang paulit-ulit na kwento sa boxing kung saan ang mas kilala o mas bata sa dalawang boksingero ang nabibigyan ng pabor kahit hindi ito nakikita sa aktwal na laban.

Even some current fighters took to social media expressing dismay over the verdict. “Pacman did enough to win! Respect the legend!” wrote one top lightweight contender.

Sa mga huling minuto ng laban, kahit si Barrios ay tila hindi sigurado sa kanyang performance. Hindi siya agad nagdiwang. Parang alam niya rin na kung scorecards ang basehan, dehado siya.

What does this mean for Pacquiao’s legacy? 

Honestly, nothing changes. He’s already a certified Hall of Famer, an eight-division world champion, and one of the greatest fighters of all time. Pero para sa kanyang mga fans, masakit makita na matapos ang lahat ng kanyang naiambag sa sport, ganito pa ang trato sa kanya sa dulo.

Sabi nga ng isang boxing analyst sa ringside:

“This isn’t just about a fight. This is about justice in the sport.”

Ngunit gaya ng isang tunay na kampeon, Manny remained respectful and humble after the fight.
“I did my best. If it’s a draw, I respect the decision, but I believe I won,” he said during the post-fight interview.

My Final Thoughts:

As I was watching closely, after nine rounds, the live scorecard shown on TV had Pacquiao clearly ahead by three rounds. That means Barrios would have needed to sweep the final three rounds just to get a draw.
Pero sa totoo lang, hindi naman nakuha ni Barrios ang huling tatlong rounds. Hindi rin siya naging dominant sa closing stretch ng laban.

Ang mas masakit pa, isang judge binigyan pa si Barrios ng panalo by one round. That is absurd. Unbelievable. It defies logic and fairness in professional boxing.

Another moment in history was stolen from the GOAT.
Manny Pacquiao, who fought with heart and skill at age 46, was denied a rightful victory.
Isang record na naman ang tila ninakaw mula sa alamat ng boksing. Hindi ito lang laban—ito ay laban para sa karangalan at katotohanan sa sport.

Mabuhay ka, Pacman. Sa puso ng sambayanang Pilipino, ikaw pa rin ang tunay na kampeon.