Pacquiao-Barrios fight ends in draw

Manny Pacquiao is no stranger on the big stage and by nature thrives under the spotlight.

- By JUNE NAVARRO

But Mario Barrios, teeming with youth and vigor, simply managed to stay out of harm's way.

The American crown holder safely evaded the Filipino boxing legend's onslaught to retain his World Boxing Council welterweight title via majority draw on Saturday night (Sunday, July 20 in Manila) before a mammoth gathering at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

"It was an honor to share the ring with him. This is by far the biggest event I've had to date and we came in here and left everything in the ring.

I have nothing but respect for Manny," said Barrios.

Younger, taller, and tactically versatile, the 30-year-old Barrios steered clear of the mayhem that Pacquiao brought throughout their full-length confrontation, which went to the scorecards.

Judges Tim Cheatham and Steve Weisfeld saw it 114-all while Max De Luca's verdict sided with the defending champion, 115-113.

"I thought I won the fight. It was close. I had to find a way to finish the fight, but my opponent was so tough.

He threw a lot of good combinations and had defense," said Pacquiao, who consistently pressed on with a hostile approach in the middle rounds.