BACOLOD City Mayor Greg Gasataya hailed boxer and former senator Manny Pacquiao for his performance in the fight against Marrio Barrios at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
The fight ended in a majority draw after 12 rounds.
“Thank you very much, Pambansang Kamao. Though the fight ended in a draw, for us, you remain the victor. You stood toe-to-toe with a younger, taller opponent, and gave everything you had for the honor of our country,” Gasataya said.
He said: “Once more, you have inspired strength, unity, and pride in every Filipino across the globe. We stand with you now and always.”
"To our adopted son of Bacolod, thank you very much," he added.
The City Government provided a free live viewing at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) lobby for Bacolodnons to witness Pacquiao’s return to the ring.
Hundreds of Bacolodnons watched the free viewing and expressed their gratitude to the city for a wide-screen broadcast, air-conditioned seating with complimentary snacks at the BCGC.
“When I woke up this morning, I saw Mayor Greg’s post about the free public viewing. So I immediately went here to watch,” said John Katalbas of Barangay 29.
Gasataya was accompanied by City Councilors Jude Thaddy Sayson, Homer Bais, and Jason Villarosa at the BCGC.
Pacquiao, 46, and Barrios, 30, fought to a majority draw. The judges scored the welterweight bout 115-113 (in favor of Barrios), 114-114, 114-114 and Barrios retained his WBC welterweight title. (MAP)