Boxing bomb: Manny Pacquiao appeals the decision after the tie of his fight with Mario Barrios – NSAC responds

At 9:15 pm +07 on Sunday, July 27, 2025, the boxing world has been shaken by an unprecedented “bomb”: Manny Pacquiao has officially presented an appeal against the result of his majority draw against Mario Barrios on July 19, 2025 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The decision, which saw the judges grant 115-113 cards for neighborhoods, 114-114 and 114-114, has been questioned from the beginning, and now the filtration of an alleged real card of 117-111 in favor of Pacquiao has fueled the flames. In an initial response at 9:10 PM +07, the Athletic Commission of the State of Nevada (NSAC) has confirmed that it will review the case, opening the door to a possible annulment or rematch. This movement could rewrite the history of the Welter division and the legacy of the Filipino icon.

The context of the controversial tie

The return of Pacquiao, 46, after four years of inactivity faced the WBC Welter champion, Mario Barrios, 30. Pacquiao dominated the initial rounds with their characteristic speed, connecting 101 of 577 strokes (17.5%) according to compubox, surpassing neighborhoods in power strokes (81-75). However, Barrios traced in the final rounds, winning the assaults 10 to 12 on all cards, which led to the majority draw. The decision was received with boos for the 13,107 fans present, and figures such as Mike Tyson, Terence Crawford and Shannon Sharpe have supported the notion that Pacquiao was “stolen.”

The controversy climbed with the filtration yesterday of an alleged card of 117-111 in favor of Pacquiao, attributed to referee Dave Moretti, suggesting a possible manipulation. Pacquiao, in an interview on Saturday, said that “these Americans try to force me to lose,” feeding suspicions. Its formal appeal, presented today through its legal team and its promoter, MP Promotions, marks a turning point.

Appeal details

The appeal of Pacquiao, announced at 9:00 pm +07, is based on three main points: 1) the discrepancy with the 117-111 filtered card, which suggests an intentional error or alteration; 2) a demolition not counted in Round 7, where Barrios touched the canvas after a blow of Pacquiao; and 3) testimonies of their corner and independent analysts who saw a clear victory of 8-4 or 9-3. The Pacquiao team has asked the NSAC to review the recordings, a forensic analysis of the cards and a public audience. Freddie Roach, his coach, declared at 9:05 pm +07: “We have evidence that Manny won, and this must be corrected.”

The appeal also invokes the precedent of the case of Adalaide Byrd in 2017 (Golovkin Vs. Alvarez), where a biased card led to a review, although without change of result. The NSAC, which regulates all the fighting in Nevada, has the final authority to act, but the intervention of the WBC, as a sanctioning body of the title, could complicate the process.

NSAC response

At 9:10 PM +07, the NSAC issued a brief statement: “We have received the appeal from Manny Pacquiao and we will begin a preliminary review. Any decision will be based on concrete evidence and will follow our protocols.” This indicates that the commission will investigate the recordings, interview the judges (Max Deluca, Tim Cheatham and Steve Weisfeld) and will evaluate the authenticity of the filtered card. However, canceling a result is extremely rare – the last successful case was in 1983 (Larry Holmes Vs. Earnie Shavers) – and would require irrefutable evidence of error or corruption.

The NSAC also pointed out that the WBC will be consulted, since the Welter title is at stake. Mauricio Sulaimán, president of the WBC, has promised to cooperate, but warned at 9:12 pm +07: “We need facts, not emotions. Boxing depends on justice.”

Reactions and speculation

Social networks are boiling, with #ApelacionPacquiao and #Justiciaparamanny Trending at 9:15 PM +07. Fan Crampatics: “Anize that robbery, Manny deserves his title!” While the neighborhood team, led by Frank Warren, insists that “official cards reflect the real fight.” Analysts like Teddy Atlas see a reform opportunity, suggesting that public pressure could force transparency, although others fear a media circus.

Speculations point to illegal bets or Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) pressures as motivators of the supposed error. Some link the appeal to Pacquiao’s political career, suggesting that a triumph could boost it in the Philippines. Others believe it is a strategy to negotiate a lucrative rematch, possibly in Saudi Arabia, where high -profile fights are booming.

What does this mean?

If the NSAC finds evidence of error, it could cancel the draw, giving the title to Pacquiao or ordering a rematch. For Pacquiao, this would be a redemption to 46 years, reinforcing its legacy, while Barrios would face a blow to their career. The WBC could adjust rankings or sanction the judges if manipulation is proven. Legally, the NSAC has 30 days to decide, but public pressure could accelerate the process.

At 9:15 PM +07, while the scandal develops, the boxing world awaits the result of the review. The appeal of Pacquiao not only puts into play a title, but also the credibility of the sport, with implications that could resonate for months in the future of boxing.