Pacquiao Draws in Comeback Fight Against Barrios, Earns Over P1 Billion

Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao made a triumphant return to the ring Sunday, battling Mario Barrios to a draw at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and reportedly earning over P1 billion in the process.

The 46-year-old former world champion, who retired in 2021, earned a $12 million base purse, equivalent to P683 million, and is expected to take home an additional $5 to $6 million (P284 million to P340 million) from pay-per-view revenue, pushing his total earnings past the P1-billion mark.

“Even after all these years, I felt great in there,” Pacquiao said in an Instagram post following the fight. “I thank God for the strength and grace to still compete at this level.”

Despite the draw, Pacquiao praised the younger and taller Barrios, who retained his WBC welterweight title. “To Mario Barrios, you are a true warrior. It was an honor to share the ring with you,” he said.

Pacquiao also expressed gratitude to his supporters. “Thank you, Lord, for keeping us safe in the ring. I want to thank my wife, my kids, my family, and everyone who supported me throughout this fight,” he wrote. “To all my fans around the world, especially my fellow Filipinos, thank you for your love, prayers, and support. This may not have been the result we wanted, but I gave my best, and I will always fight with heart, for God, for family, and for country. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. To God be all the glory.”