The decision was like a stab straight into MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons’ coronary heart. For 4 years, Gibbons dreamed of Manny Pacquiao returning to the ring after dropping the WBC welterweight belt to Yordenis Ugas. Lastly, the dream got here true however the consequence was one thing Gibbons by no means imagined. Pacquiao might’ve and will’ve gained again the title however the judges allowed Mario Barrios to retain the title on a highly-disputed majority 12-round attract Las Vegas final weekend.
“It hurts so unhealthy,” stated Gibbons. “I don’t know what extra Manny needed to do to persuade the judges. It’s simply so arduous to take. We noticed classic Manny within the ring. Positive, he’s 46 and Barrios is 30 however 75 p.c of Manny continues to be higher than one hundred pc of Barrios. Manny placed on a clinic and gained no less than seven rounds. How might he lose? He landed the cleaner and extra highly effective pictures. Barrios missed loads.”
Gibbons stated Pacquiao labored his butt off to prepare for Barrios. “Keep in mind, he simply got here from campaigning within the elections and landed in LA final Might 18, shook off jet lag and began coaching the following day,” he stated. Gibbons stated it’s unfair that after going by means of the grind, Pacquiao wasn’t served justice.
Judges Tim Cheatham and Steve Weisfeld had Pacquiao forward, 87-84 after 9 rounds. Decide Max DeLuca scored it 86-85 for Pacquiao at that time. Then, the three judges noticed it Barrios’ means till the ultimate bell, scoring the final three rounds for the defending champion. Cheatham and Weisfeld wound up scoring it a draw, 114-all whereas DeLuca had it 115-113 for Barrios. DeLuca’s scorecard was controversial. This was his eighth project in a Barrios struggle and second with Pacquiao, the primary in 2003 in opposition to Emmanuel Lucero. Cheatham was a choose in Pacquiao’s fights in opposition to Keith Thurman and Adrien Broner. Weisfeld was a choose in Pacquiao’s fights in opposition to Ugas, Tim Bradley (third struggle) and Juan Manuel Marquez (fourth struggle).
Pacquiao confirmed no rancor after the draw was introduced. He didn’t rave, he didn’t rant. Pacquiao took the decision like a person, respecting what playing cards had been dealt on the desk. He stated he’d like a rematch however Gibbons stated there’s nothing to show in opposition to Barrios and it’s time to maneuver on to greater sport, possibly Floyd Mayweather. It’s doable that Mayweather, who’s been avoiding a rematch with Pacquiao since their 2015 encounter, is probably not as scared any longer since in spite of everything, Pacman didn’t win over Barrios or no less than that’s how the judges noticed it.
Pacquiao stated God prepared, he’ll proceed preventing to carry honor to his nation and delight to all Filipinos. It ain’t over for Pacquiao. Towards a fighter who’s 16 years youthful, he displayed class. Barrios adjusted techniques within the center rounds and virtually value him his crown. Pacquiao did one thing exceptional that night time, inspiring the world that with self-discipline, arduous work and dedication, something is feasible in life, irrespective of the age. It’s such a pity that three judges took away his second in historical past. Pacquiao should be hurting inside however gained’t ever present it. To thousands and thousands everywhere in the world, he’s the true champion.
