Although Manny Pacquiao could not dethrone Mario Barrios in their Las Vegas meeting on Saturday night, ‘Pac-Man’ can be more than proud of his performance.
Many fans did not agree as Pacquiao drew with Barrios, feeling ‘Pac-Man’ was the victor. One judge scored the bout to the WBC World Welterweight champion, while the remaining two had the fight a draw.
It was a late rally from Barrios would see him retain his title for the second time with a draw, spoiling Pacquiao’s comeback.
The future for Pacquiao is now uncertain as the fighter was 46 years of age in his 2025 return, but his son has had his say on the matter.
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Manny Pacquiao’s son apprehensive about seeing his father fight again
Unable to move up the list of boxing’s oldest champions, it is unclear whether or not Pacquiao will continue to fight despite an impressive comeback.
In an interview with FightHype.com, Emmanuel Pacquiao Jr. was asked about his father’s performance. Although he felt it was a good fight from his father, Pacquiao Jr. felt enough was done to dethrone Barrios, “I thought he got a 7-5 [victory].”
Pacquiao Jr. also gave credit to the timing of his father in the fight, when asked about what impressed him most about the performance.
When asked what he wanted his father to do next, Pacquiao Jr. responded by saying, “Right now, he should focus on getting rest, you know? But, he is 46 now. Me personally, I love him, and I just want him to be safe. I don’t want him to take any more punishment.”
The son of the multi-weight world champion was asked if Pacquiao would fare better now that he has overcome a four-year hiatus in a future fight. Pacquiao Jr. said, “Yeah, I think so. If he continues training and stays in shape, like he always stays in shape, but it’s different for a 12-rounder. But as long as he stays in shape.”
Manny Pacquiao comments on his future in post-fight press conference
Following his fight with Barrios, Pacquiao was asked in the post-fight press conference about whether his future lies in boxing or politics.
In terms of his boxing future, Pacquiao said, “All I can say is, Pac-Man is back and the journey will continue.”
Pacquiao also said that he would be open to a fight with old rival Floyd Mayweather, “If he wants,” as well as Freddie Roach campaigning for a Barrios rematch.
In terms of his political career, Pacquiao said, “Forget about politics. I’m a private citizen right now, I want to live a simple life.”