Marcos: Pacquiao gave nation pride, unity despite draw

ILIA TOPURIA (17-0-0) of Ali-Cante, Spain defeats CHARLES OLIVEIRA (35-10-0-1NC) of Guaruja, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil by KO in round 1 during UFC 317 at the T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. (File Photo: Manny Pacquiao/Facebook)

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday hailed boxing icon Manny Pacquiao for uniting and inspiring the nation following his comeback bout against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, which ended in a majority draw on Sunday in Las Vegas.

“The Filipinos won! It ended in a draw, but make no mistake, Manny Pacquiao gave us something far greater than a win —pride and unity,” Marcos said in a statement posted on social media.

Pacquiao, 46, stood toe-to-toe with the younger and bigger Barrios in a 12-round battle.

One judge gave Barrios a narrow 115-113 edge, while the two others scored it 114-114.

READ: Pacquiao’s comeback vs. Barrios ends in draw

“At 46, up against a younger and bigger opponent, he reminded the world that the Filipino spirit never backs down,” the President said.

Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion and former senator, had not fought professionally since 2021.

The match reignited national interest in the sport and drew global attention to his storied legacy.

“Salamat, People’s Champ. We’ll be ready when that rematch comes,” Marcos said.