Pacquiao To Keep Fighting On

Filipino wants to inspire and 'leave legacy' after impressing in drawn bout with Barrios

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LAS VEGAS - Manny Pacquiao's bid to make a fairy-tale return to boxing at the age of 46 ended in disappointment on July 20, as the Filipino icon was held to a draw by defending World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios in Las Vegas.

The 30-year-old retained his belt despite being dominated for several rounds by Pacquiao, making a comeback to the ring after a four-year retirement.

The American was awarded the fight 115-113 by one judge, with the other two cards scoring it 114-114.

The result drew a subdued reaction from the MGM Grand Garden Arena crowd, who had roared on Pacquiao during a cagey, hard-fought contest.

At times, it seemed as if Pacquiao was poised to write another improbable chapter in his storied career as he used all of his guile and experience to frustrate Barrios.

But Barrios rallied furiously over the final three rounds — he was deemed the winner of those rounds on all three cards — to do just enough to force a result that sees him retain his title.

"I thought I won the fight," Pacquiao said. "I mean, it was a close fight. My opponent was very tough. But it was a wonderful fight.