At the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday (Sunday in Manila), WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios defeated 46-year-old great Manny Pacquiao in 12 rounds via a 115-113 Barrios, 114-114, 114-114 majority draw to maintain his world title.
In the first round, Pacquiao displayed his trademark quickness and eye-catching punches in brief bursts of genius. Instead of rushing to engage the Filipino, Barrios relied on his jab to keep them at bay.
In the second round, Barrios began to loosen his grip, striking the head and body while working behind his sharp jab. As the rounds progressed, Pacquiao’s work rate decreased, giving Barrios more confidence as the bout continued.
