The boxing world is recovering from an impressive controversy that exploded only a few hours ago, around 01:30 p.m. +07 on Sunday, July 20, 2025, after the high -risk Welter weight clash last night in Las Vegas. Manny Pacquiao, the Philippine legend, has fiercely rejected the result of most of the raffle against Mario Barrios, boldly affirming that he was the legitimate Victor. In a burning press conference after the fight, Pacquiao level explosive accusations, claiming that neighborhoods cheated with the referee’s complicity and that the result was pre -established, throwing a shadow on a fight that had captivated millions. The accusations have turned on a fire storm, threatening to tarnish the legacy of one of the greatest boxing icons and ask serious questions about the integrity of sport.

Pacquiao, at 46, offered a remarkable performance on his return to the ring after a four -year parenthesis, facing Barrios in the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The fight, which was broadcast on the main PPV video, saw the world champion of eight divisions show their speed and tenacity of the firm, landing crunchy combinations that excited the multitude of 13,000 people. However, the punctuation cards of the judges (115-113 for neighborhoods and two 114-114 raffles: Pacquiao, which stunned and challenged him. “I thought I had won the fight,” he said, his firm voice with conviction. “I worked hard, I overcome it and the result should reflect that.” His frustration was palpable decades.

The veteran accusations took a darker turn when he pointed to Barrios fingers, claiming that the Mexican-American champion resorted to subvestable tactics. Pacquiao said that Barrios depended on the illegal wineries and low blows, the maneuvers they insist were overlooked by referee Thomas Taylor. “He was grabbing and hitting under the belt, and the referee did nothing,” Pacquiao said, suggesting a deliberate effort to undermine his performance. The arbitrator’s collusion load adds a sinister layer, with Pacquiao, insinuating that the raffle was orchestrated to protect the WBB weight title of the CMB of neighborhoods, preserving the status quo for the 30-year-old champion who moved to 29-2-2.

The controversy comes from a fight where Pacquiao seemed to dominate early, his feet game and his gust of blows of Bamboozling Barrios, who fought to match the rhythm of the legend. Barrios recovered in the posterior rounds, landing effective blows and body shots, but many observers, including some unofficial scorers that favored Pacquiao 116-113, felt that the Philippine deserved victory. The Pacquiao camp has taken over this, arguing that the divided decision of the judges was influenced by external pressures, an affirmation that has caused heated debates among fans on social networks. The publications found in X reflect the division, with some labeling the result as a “theft”, while others defend the call of the judges as fair given the close nature of the struggle.

Barrios, meanwhile, has remained composed, praising Pacquiao’s effort while insisted that he made enough to retain his belt. “It was an honor to share the ring with him, but I thought he had taken it out,” he said, expressing his opening to a rematch. However, his comments have made little to quell the uproar, with the supporters of Pacquiao pointing out the defensive strategy of neighborhoods as evidence of a fight designed to avoid a decisive loss. The referee, Thomas Taylor, has not yet responded, leaving the boxing community waiting for the clarification of the Athletic Commission of the Nevada State or the World Boxing Council.

The moment of this scandal adds to its gravity, arriving immediately after a card that also presented the Victoria Tko by Sebastian Fundora on Tim Tszyu. Pacquiao’s return was destined to be a triumphant moment, an opportunity to become the second oldest champion in the history of boxing, but instead, he has descended to a battle for credibility. His camp has insinuated to follow an appeal, potentially demanding a review of the images or even asking for sanctions against the officials involved. The perspective of a manipulated fight causes fans to question the sport government, with some parallel drawings to past controversies, although concrete evidence has emerged beyond Pacquiao’s claims.

For Pacquiao, the raffle marks a bitter ending on a night that shows its lasting ability, but its accusations suggest that it believes that its career deserves a more honorable conclusion. With 62-8-3, it is still a global icon, but this incident could define its legacy as much as its victories. Meanwhile, Barrios retains its title, but faces scrutiny that can pursue its reign. As the world of boxing digests this shocking turn, all eyes are in the authorities to investigate and restore trust, leaving fans wonder if the truth will ever arise from the chaos of the draw last night.