Manny Pacquiao appears set to move on from the proposed Mario Barrios rematch in boxing, despite only agreeing to the do-over after their first bout on Saturday.
The Filipino fighter’s timeless performance on the 19th of July at the MGM Grand Garden Arena belied his 46 years. He took the fight to the WBC welterweight world champion, often beat him to the punch, and looked the superior combination-puncher despite the champ’s sturdy jab. That jab was a weapon he used to try and steal the momentum from Pacquiao. Though a majority draw result was declared, it was not without controversy, as many ringside regarded Pac-Man to have produced the greater work.
Speaking to GIVE ME SPORT and other reporters backstage, Pacquiao, his coach Freddie Roach, together with Barrios, and his trainer Bob Santos, all appeared united in their desire to run the fight back. However, there are machinations at bay that suggest Pacquiao could move on from that fight already.
Related
Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios Scorecards & Punch Stats
Punch statistics for Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios showed who really won the boxing fight.
Why Manny Pacquiao Could Refuse Mario Barrios a Rematch in Boxing
Pacquiao’s people appear ready to move on to other fights
Pacquiao’s long-time representative Sean Gibbons dismissed the idea of running it back. “I don’t [want to] see [the] Barrios [fight] again,” he told Boxing Scene. “He didn’t make history because they robbed him of it, but it was an incredible feat.”
Gibbons then said there are two seemingly more attractive options, which could generate a greater promotion, and thus lead to more revenue from the fight itself, from a sold-out arena, and attractive sales on American pay-per-view.
“There’s Rolly Romero, [Gervonta] ‘Tank’ Davis. Why do it again?”
“Mario Barrios doesn’t draw anything and brings nothing to the table but that belt,” said Gibbons. “Rolly Romero would be an unbelievably fun fight and one hell of a promotion.”
Romero’s stock has never been higher as he’s fresh off one of the upset victories of 2025, when he thrashed Ryan Garcia during a Riyadh Season event in New York City, earlier this year.
As for Pacquiao, Gibbons couldn’t have been more pleased with how his client’s performance.
“I was blown away. It was like he never lost his speed.”
Gibbons continued: “He’s not that Manny Pacquiao, with the classic legs.”
And, though his legs aren’t what they used to be, Pacquiao would still be able to be competitive against the likes of Romero, and even ‘Tank’ Davis, because of how they box, too.
“But if you fight a guy like Rolly, whose feet stay in cement, Manny will look vintage. Same with Gervonta, who’s not a real big mover.”
Related
Mike Tyson Names Boxer he Thinks is ‘Beautiful’
Mike Tyson had an interesting pick for the most “beautiful” fighter in boxing today.
About Author
