
Mario Barrios retains title and honors San Antonio's spirit in epic Pacquiao clash - with powerhouse attorney Thomas J. Henry's support
With the eyes of the world watching via Premier Boxing Champions Pay–Per–View on Prime Video, Barrios wasn't just representing himself - he carried with him the weight of his city, his roots, and the unwavering support of powerhouse attorney and longtime sponsor Thomas J. Henry.
Despite being dominated for several rounds by Pacquiao, who had returned to the ring after a four-year retirement, Barrios, 30, rallied furiously over the final three rounds - just enough to result in a draw that saw him retain his belt.
Whatever the outcome, the night marked a defining chapter in Barrios's career - and a full–circle moment for a fighter who's long used his platform to give back to the same San Antonio community that raised him.
Behind the scenes - and emblazoned on his trunks - was the name of Thomas J. Henry, the high-profile Texas attorney who's stood in Barrios' corner through several major bouts, including fights against Gervonta 'Tank' Davis, Abel Ramos, and Fabian Maidana.
'I've backed Mario before, and I'm honored to do it again,' said Henry ahead of the match.
'He's a warrior in the ring, but what sets him apart is his heart outside of it. He gives back, he stays grounded, and he represents his community with pride.
'That's the kind of character I support.'
For Barrios, the moment was more than just a shot at glory - it was about legacy, roots, and resilience.
And for Henry, the sponsorship was more than just branding - it was personal.
Henry, whose name has become synonymous with high–profile cases and philanthropic efforts across Texas, saw something in Barrios early on.
Not just a rising athlete, but a man grounded in family, faith, and community - values that echo Henry's own.
As the final bell rang and the lights dimmed over Las Vegas, one thing was certain: Mario Barrios showed the world he belonged on that stage - and he did it with a champion's spirit and a city behind him.
His elaborate entrance into the arena was evident of that as he emerged surrounded by Aztec dancers dressed in traditional garb as drums played ahead of the main event.
He was also joined by rising star and Texas-based rapper, Mexican OT, singing his song, 'Barrio'.
That heart - and grit - were on full display in the ring against Pacquiao, a Hall of Famer whose return to the sport at age 46 was one of the most talked–about comebacks in recent boxing memory.
Pacquiao, who had last fought in 2021, was enshrined into the International Boxing Hall of Fame last month and was trying to break his own record for oldest welterweight champion.
Pacquiao was 40 when he emerged in a 2019 split decision over Keith Thurman.
Barrios was awarded the fight 115-113 by one judge, with the other two cards scoring it 114-114.
The result drew a subdued reaction from the MGM Grand Garden Arena crowd, who had roared on Pacquiao during a cagey, hard-fought contest.
Despite the outrage from the heavily-pro Pacquiao spectators, Barrios showed nothing but good sportsmanship and respect for his opponent.
'It was an honor to share the ring with him. This is by far the biggest event I've had to date and we came in here and left everything in the ring. I have nothing but respect for Manny,' he said after the decision.
Barrios admitted he had been awed by Pacquiao's remarkable reserves of energy and stamina.
'His stamina is crazy. He's still strong as hell and his timing is real. He's still a very awkward fighter to try to figure out.
'I didn't think the fight was getting away from me, but I knew I had to step it up to solidify a win.
'The plan was to press him and try to make him feel old. But he's still got good legs.
'I'll do the rematch. Absolutely. This was huge for boxing. I'd love to do it again.'
Meanwhile, Pacquiao was convinced he was the winner.
'I thought I won the fight,' Pacquiao said afterwards. 'I mean, it was a close fight. My opponent was very tough. But it was a wonderful fight.
'I was trying to find a way to finish the fight but my opponent was so tough. He threw punches in combination and with defense, so it was hard.'
Barrios was a -275 favorite at BetMGM Sportsbook.
He hoped to bounce back from a split-decision draw on November 15 against Abel Ramos, but didn't exactly come away with an emphatic victory in improving to 29-2-2.
Pacquiao's resume includes 12 world championships in eight divisions.
He now is 62-9-2 and said right after the fight this likely wasn't his last.
Barrios's sponsorship is the latest in Thomas J. Henry's ongoing mission to uplift local talent and invest in community success stories.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Reuters
9 minutes ago
- Reuters
Rangers activate RHP Jon Gray after spending season on IL
July 23 - The Texas Rangers on Wednesday activated right-hander Jon Gray, who will be looking to make his season debut after sustaining a fractured right wrist in spring training. In a corresponding move, the Rangers designated right-handed reliever Luke Jackson for assignment. Gray, 33, went on the 60-day injured list after being hit by a comebacker off the bat of Colorado's Michael Toglia during a Cactus League game on March 14 in Surprise, Ariz. He made three starts on rehabilitation assignments with Texas minor league affiliates, going a combined 8 2/3 innings with a 3.12 ERA. He started for Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday and yielded one earned run with two walks five strikeouts in 61 pitches over 3 2/3 innings. Gray has made trips to the injured list in each of his three seasons with the Rangers. He was limited to just 102 2/3 innings in 2024 because of two groin strains and a foot neuroma that required offseason surgery. Gray posted a 5-6 record with a 4.47 ERA in 23 appearances (19 starts) last season. Gray, in the final season of a four-year, $56 million contract, is 74-70 with a 4.45 ERA in 228 career games (223 starts) with the Colorado Rockies (2015-21) and Rangers. Jackson, 33, went 2-5 with nine saves, a 4.11 ERA, 19 walks and 24 strikeouts in 35 innings over 39 relief appearances for Texas this season. He has a career 24-16 record with 28 saves and 4.23 ERA in 377 games (all in relief) with Texas (2015-16, 2025), Atlanta (2017-21, 2024), and San Francisco (2023-24). --Field Level Media


The Independent
39 minutes ago
- The Independent
Pro bull riding league files objection of Dr. Phil's media bankruptcy saying it is owed $181 million
Professional Bull Riders, the largest bull-riding league in the world, has filed an objection to the bankruptcy proceedings of Dr. Phil McGraw 's media network, claiming it is owed $181 million. McGraw launched a conservative-leaning cable network in April 2024 called Merit Street Media. Barely a year later the network filed for bankruptcy and filed a lawsuit against its distribution partner Trinity Broadcasting for breach of contract earlier this month. In its lawsuit, the media network claimed Trinity 'reneged on its obligations and abused its position as the controlling shareholder of Merit Street,' leaving it over $100 million in debt. The Professional Bull Riders, which pulled its programming from Merit Street Media last November, has been trying to hold McGraw personally responsible for the millions it says it's owed by Merit Street. McGraw's lawyers, through legal filings, have rejected the premise that their client should be personally responsible for money Merit Street is accused of owing, according to The Dallas Morning News. It asked the court late last week to strike a provision in the network's bankruptcy case called an interested parties release, the publication reported. This provision could release non-debtor parties, such as McGraw and his Peteski Productions company, from claims from creditors, such as the bull riding league, against the debtor, which would be Merit Street Media. The bull riding league cut ties with Merit Street Media just months after signing a four-year contract with the network. At the time, the league said it was because of failure to make payments for rights fees. 'PBR honored its contract with Dr. Phil's Merit Street Media, delivered on every performance metric, and brought more than one million viewers to the new network. Dr. Phil and his company completely reneged on the deal just five months in,' the league said in a statement last Friday, per The Dallas Morning News. Chip Babcock, an attorney for Peteski Productions, called the league's objection 'more appropriate fodder for the press than the Court,' the publication reported. 'To the extent they are relevant to any issue in the case we are confident the judge will deal with it appropriately,' Babcock added.


Daily Mail
39 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Ricky Hatton, Michael Watson and Barry Hearn to be awarded Freedom of the City of London at black-tie boxing event
Boxing legends Ricky Hatton, Michael Watson and Barry Hearn are set to receive one of the capital's oldest civic honours, the Freedom of the City of London, at a high-profile charity boxing night this October. The trio, recognised for their outstanding contributions to British boxing, will be honoured at a black-tie fundraiser at London's historic Guildhall on Wednesday 8 October 2025, alongside The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Alastair King DL. The event, titled City Fight Night, will feature six bouts of white-collar boxing between members of the London Fire Brigade, selected by renowned amateur club Fitzroy Lodge, and their counterparts from the New York City Fire Department. Speaking ahead of the event, former world champion Hatton said: 'I'm absolutely chuffed to bits to be given the Freedom of the City of London. It's a real honour and something I never imagined happening to me... It'll be a great night for a great cause, and I can't wait to be part of it.' Hearn, the founder and president of Matchroom, called the honour a 'privilege' and said the evening 'promises to be a knockout event in every sense'. Watson, whose courage and resilience following a life-changing injury in the ring earned him widespread respect, will also be formally recognised on the night. Adding to the occasion, the Lord Mayor himself will step into the ring for a special exhibition bout against a mystery opponent from New York. 'Boxing is one of my passions and I cannot wait to venture into the ring myself,' he said. 'In fact, this will be the first time a Lord Mayor of London has seen active combat whilst in office since the Peasants' Revolt of 1381!' The event, hosted by actor and presenter Terry Stone, is being held in partnership with The Lord Mayor's Appeal and sponsored by Bloomberg. It aims to raise funds for charities that use boxing to steer young people away from crime, and for organisations supporting the mental and physical wellbeing of UK firefighters. All three honourees - Hatton, Watson and Hearn - will join an exclusive list of recipients of the Freedom of the City, a tradition that dates back to the 13th century.