Filipino boxing fans react while watching a livestream of the WBC welterweight fight between Philippine boxing icon and former senator Manny Pacquiao and WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, at a school gym in Mandaluyong City, Philippines, on Sunday, July 20, 2025. -- REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez
MANILA (AFP): The crowd inside the Manila college gym on Sunday roared with every flurry that Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao landed in Las Vegas, then groaned collectively when a draw was announced at the end of 12 hard-fought rounds.
An outdoor viewing party originally planned for the Welfareville neighbourhood, where a slum sits alongside wealthier areas, was moved inside after heavy rain from Tropical Storm Wipha.
About 2,000 people watched their 46-year-old hero's improbable comeback attempt on a giant screen placed under a basketball scoreboard.
At one point, they leapt out of their chairs as Pacquiao -- four years removed from his last fight -- landed a series of combinations against Mario Barrios.
They were out of their chairs again late in the penultimate round -- this time because the feed dropped out at a crucial moment of action. Organisers got it back online just before the final round began.
"I was slightly disappointed because Pacquiao seemed to be leading during the first rounds," Junel Magday, a young boxer who attended with his team, told AFP after the fight.
Even so, the former champion remained an inspiration for the 19-year-old.
"His persistence, courage and also his heart" were the key takeaways, Magday said, "even if he's way older now".
Pacquiao is deeply admired across the Philippines for his rise from a teenager street vendor to one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of all time, spinning that passion into careers in politics and even singing.
His fights were once a de facto public holiday in the Philippines, emptying streets and grinding commerce to a halt as residents stayed glued to their television sets.
Muslim rebels and government troops in the country's restive Mindanao region famously observed a temporary truce so both could watch his 2015 fight against Floyd Mayweather.
- 'Happy with every hit' -
The enthusiasm felt more muted this time, as Pacquiao headed into the fight with defending WBC welterweight champion Barrios. But for Alfonso Arvuso, the Filipino champ had lost none of his lustre.
The 66-year-old fan showed up at 7 am, an hour before the venue opened, to grab seats for himself and his two grandchildren, aged six and eight.
"If Pacquiao wins, it's like all of us win too," he said, predicting victory ahead of the fight.
Norbien Bailon, who has used a cane since suffering a stroke, said he walked about half a kilometre to get to the venue.
"It's a little difficult to walk, but I still chose to watch here because there are many people who also support him, and it's exciting," the 59-year-old said just ahead of the bout.
The outcome did not faze him. "It's OK, even if it's a draw," he said afterwards.
"At least he didn't lose. My coming here was still worth it."
Pacquiao's last two battles, a 2021 bout against Yordenis Ugas and a run for Senate this past May, both ended in defeat.
This time around, a draw was good enough, said Roy Nierva, a fan of the fighter since 2001.
"The bout was still good," the 36-year-old said as the building emptied out under threatening skies.
"I'm happy with every hit that Pacquiao makes."
Before the main event, an elderly man grabbed a mic and began singing Pacquiao's 2006 hit: "This Fight Is for You".
"I will not give up. I will shout to the world," the song's lyrics go.
"This fight is for you." - AFP
