Zab Judah has shared his thoughts on Manny Pacquiao‘s comeback draw with Mario Barrios.
Pacquiao made his return to the ring against reigning WBC Welterweight World Champion Barrios at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on July 19, putting an end to four years of inactivity.
The 46-year-old Filipino great put on an impressive display against the younger champion but couldn’t do quite enough to be declared the winner as the fight ended a majority decision draw, with two out of the three judges scoring it 114-114 even and the third giving Barrios the nod 115-113. Many in the sport feel it was a disservice to ‘PacMan,’ though other’s believe it was a fair results after a relatively underwhelming contest.
Speaking to Mill City Boxing, retired two-weight world champion Judah said he believes the draw was the correct decision.
“Good decision, great decision! Both guys wasn’t at their best, they both came in their but they both was down to try hard and give it all they got, and they both came in there and did that so you gotta commend them on that.”
Judah also shared his thoughts on a potential rematch between the pair, backing Pacquiao to prevail at the second time of asking via stoppage.
“Manny, I like Manny. Yeah, I like Manny by knockout … There’s just something about rematches and giving guys like Manny Pacquiao a rematch, give him a second chance at putting together the mistakes that he made in the first fight.”
Pacquiao said that he intends to continue with his boxing career, though his advisor Sean Gibbons is not keen on a rematch. Another option for the 46-year-old could be a clash with Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, who currently holds the regular version of the WBA world welterweight title, or Romero’s latest opponent, Ryan Garcia. Pacquiao may miss out on both if they sign a rematch of their own.