“I won the fight”

Manny Pacquiao returned to the ring to fight for Mario Barrios’ WBA Welterweight World Championship. Despite the Filipino dominating much of the bout, the judges scored it a majority draw – a result that was met with loud boos from the crowd at the MGM Grand.

Pacquiao-Barrios draw

Pacquiao himself seemed to know the outcome should have been different, given how convincingly he handled the Mexican-American fighter known as “El Azteca.” That frustration surfaced during his post-fight interview with PBC in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“I think I won the fight. It was a very close fight – he’s a tough opponent, but he fights well,” said Pacquiao, who explained that he had been looking to finish the fight early on.

“I was trying to find a way to end the fight, but the opponent I had in front of me was strong, tough. He’s a good fighter… I think I want to inspire all the fighters who’ve worked hard, who have opportunities, to have faith that it’s possible. God is the one who gives me all the strength – it’s not Manny Pacquiao,” he added.

When asked about what comes next for his career, Pacquiao admitted he’s uncertain, but made it clear he wants a rematch and will prepare differently next time.

“What are you going to do now? I don’t know. I only had two weeks to train for this fight. I need more time to train for a championship bout. I started late because of the elections in the Philippines. I’d like a rematch,” he said.

Because of his political commitments in the Philippines, Pacquiao wasn’t able to train properly for the fight. He only had two weeks of preparation, having taken part in his country’s recent elections.

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