Manny Pacquiao made a stunning return to boxing after four years of retirement, ending his WBC welterweight title bout against Mario Barrios in a majority draw last Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Despite the result, the 46-year-old boxing legend is set for a massive payday.
Pacquiao is expected to earn approximately P1 billion from the fight. His base purse alone is $12 million, or roughly P683 million. On top of that, his share from pay-per-view revenues is estimated at $5 to $6 million, adding another P284 million to P340 million to his earnings.
“Even after all these years, I felt great in there. I thank God for the strength and grace to still compete at this level,” Pacquiao said in an Instagram post on Monday. He went up against the 30-year-old Barrios, who had a significant height advantage at 6 feet compared to Pacquiao’s 5-foot-6 frame.
“To Mario Barrios, you are a true warrior. It was an honor to share the ring with you,” Pacquiao added, showing respect to his opponent, who retained his WBC title despite the draw.
The former eight-division world champion also used the post to extend heartfelt thanks to those who supported him throughout his comeback fight.
“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 said.
“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.”
He closed his message with a patriotic tribute: “Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. To God be all the glory.”
