LAS VEGAS/MANILA – Filipino world boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is raring for another fight in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao made known his plans during a media interview after he fell short of pulling off a stunner in his comeback fight against Mexican-American Mario Barrios, as their WBC welterweight title bout ended in a majority draw on Sunday, July 20 (Manila time) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

In fact, Pacquiao was quoted by some US media, including Sky News, that he is ready for a rematch with American world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Pacquiao can have a rematch with Barrios but others want him to fight Rolando Romero, the WBA “regular” welterweight champion who is coming off a stunning decision win over Ryan Garcia in May.

“Don’t worry, the PacMan is back, and the journey will continue,” Pacquiao said at the postfight news conference.

“If [Mayweather] comes out of retirement and signs the contract, we’ll fight,” Pacquiao said as quoted by ESPN. “Let’s fight again if he wants. I’m active now.”

The judges scored the 12-round title clash 115-113 for Barrios, and 114-114 on two scorecards, allowing the 30-year-old American to retain his crown.

It was Pacquiao’s first fight since announcing his comeback and his first professional bout since 2021.

Despite fighting Barrios to a draw, Pacquiao earned plaudits for fighting in good form once more.

Former boxing champions and analysts and Filipinos lauded Pacquiao.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for one hailed boxing icon  Pacquiao for uniting and inspiring the nation following his comeback bout against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, which ended in a majority draw on Sunday in Las Vegas.

“The Filipinos won! It ended in a draw, but make no mistake, Manny Pacquiao gave us something far greater than a win —pride and unity,” Marcos said in a statement posted on social media.

Pacquiao, 46, stood toe-to-toe with the younger and bigger Barrios in a 12-round battle.

One judge gave Barrios a narrow 115-113 edge, while the two others scored it 114-114.

“At 46, up against a younger and bigger opponent, he reminded the world that the Filipino spirit never backs down,” the President said.

Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion and former senator, had not fought professionally since 2021.

The match reignited national interest in the sport and drew global attention to his storied legacy.

“Salamat, People’s Champ. We’ll be ready when that rematch comes,” Marcos said.

 Pacquiao, 46, showed glimpses of his vintage form, particularly in the early and middle rounds, where he pressed the action and unleashed flurries that recalled his prime years, boxing experts and analysts said.

Pacquiao started strong in the opening two rounds, landing combinations and staying aggressive.

Barrios, however, settled into a rhythm by the third, relying on crisp jabs and effective counters to slow Pacquiao down.

The Filipino boxing icon picked up the pace in rounds eight through 10, attacking from all angles and thrilling the crowd with bursts of speed and power.

However, the younger Barrios regained control in the final two rounds, capitalizing on Pacquiao’s slowed output.

Despite the draw, Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division champion, impressed fans with his performance at his age, proving he could still compete at the elite level.

Barrios remains the WBC welterweight champion, but the close decision leaves the door open for a potential rematch.

“I thought I won the fight… Of course, I’d like a rematch. I want to leave a legacy and make the Filipino people proud,” Pacquiao said in his post-fight interview.

Barrios also expressed openness to face the boxing hall-of-famer again.

“I’ll do the rematch. Absolutely. This was huge for boxing. I’d love to do it again,” he said.