Last minute: Shannon Sharpe destroys the WBC for stealing Manny Pacquiao in Mario Barrios’s draw!

At 12:55 AM +07 on Saturday, July 26, 2025, the boxing world is boiling after a incendiary verbal attack by Shannon Sharpe, the former NFL player and sports analyst, against the World Boxing Council (CMB) by the controversial majority draw of Manny Pacquiao against Mario Barrios on July 19, 2025. In an explosive segment of his programClub Shay ShayTransmitted to 12:50 AM +07, Sharpe accused the WBC of “stealing” the victory to Pacquiao, unleashing a wave of outrage and renewing criticism towards the integrity of the decision in the MGM Grand Garden Arena. This statement of a prominent figure outside the boxing has amplified the controversy and put the authorities under even greater scrutiny.

The context of the controversial tie

Pacquiao’s return to Ring after four years of inactivity faced the 46 -year -old Filipino icon to the WBC Welter champion, Mario Barrios, 30. Pacquiao shone in the initial rounds with their characteristic speed and precise combinations, evoking his past as champion in eight divisions. However, Barrios responded with an effective soap and a comeback in the final rounds, which led the judges to dictate a majority draw with 115-113 cards for neighborhoods, 114-114 and 114-114. The decision left at the 13,107 fans present and millions of stunned viewers, with many arguing that Pacquiao deserved victory, a feeling shared by figures such as Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Terence Crawford, who have questioned the legitimacy of the result.

Pacquiao expressed post-pelea: “I thought I won the fight”, while unofficial scores, such as ESPN (116-112 for Pacquiao), reinforced the perception of a possible robbery. The controversy has maintained the issue in the candlestick a week later, with speculation about a rematch or a definitive retreat.

Shanon Sharpe’s attack

At 12:50 AM +07, during a live segment ofClub Shay Shay, Sharpe launched a fierce attack against the WBC. “The WBC stole Manny Pacquiao! Those judges are a disaster, a shame for boxing. Manny gave everything, and left him hung,” Sharpe exclaimed, known for his direct and passionate style. His criticism not only pointed to the decision of the judges-Max Deluca (115-113), Tim Cheatham (114-114) and Steve Weisfeld (114-114)-also also to the WBC for supervising a system that, according to him, favors unfair narratives. Sharpe, who has no direct experience in boxing but is a respected observer, cited the support of Crawford and Tyson as support, suggesting that the boxing community is linked in this perception of injustice.

Sharpe’s comment, amplified by his huge audience on platforms such as YouTube, has raised the profile of the scandal, pressing the WBC and the Nevada Athletic Commission to respond. His background as a professional athlete gives credibility when questioning equity in high profile sports.

Reactions and speculation

Social networks have exploded, with #SharpevSCMB and #Pacquiaorobado dominating X at 12:55 AM +07. Pacquiao fans praised Sharpe, with publications like “Shannon tells the truth, Manny was the king!” While neighborhood defenders argued that the cards reflected a closed fight, with comments like “Sharpe does not understand boxing, it was fair.” Analysts have highlighted Sharpe’s influence as an external voice, suggesting that he could inspire formal investigation, although others see their intervention as an attempt to generate sensational headlines.

Some speculate that Sharpe could be aligning with Pacquiao’s narrative to gain relevance in the world of boxing, while others believe that their passion reflects a genuine outrage due to the perception of a robbery. The mention of the WBC as guilty suggests that Sharpe sees a systemic failure, a point that could resonate with other athletes and promoters.

Verification of the facts

Compubox statistics show that Pacquiao connected 101 of 577 blows (17.5%) compared to 120 of 658 neighborhoods (18.2%), with a potential advantage (81-75), supporting the perception of early domain of Pacquiao. However, the removal of neighborhoods in the Rounds 10-12, won on all cards, partially justifies the draw. There is no evidence of corruption, but the discrepancy of a point in the scores – especially that of Deluca – has fed suspicions, a theme that Sharpe has captured and amplified. The WBC has kept silent so far, but public pressure could force a statement.

What does this mean?

The Sharpe attack could press the WBC and the Nevada commission to review the fight, potentially leading to a rematch or a change in the result. For Pacquiao, this reinforces his case of having been harmed, motivating him to continue at age 46 or to retire with a stronger public support. For neighborhoods, the accusation puts its title under renewed scrutiny, although its late performance remains defensible.

At 12:55 AM +07, while the scandal intensifies, the boxing world awaits the response of the WBC, Barrios or Pacquiao. Sharpe’s words not only fueling the controversy of the tie, but could also catalyze a change in boxing governance in the weeks to come.