In a fiery reaction to the controversial decision in the Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios fight, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith is pulling no punches. Smith, known for his candid takes on the world of sports, took to the airwaves to criticize the judges who ruled the fight a draw, claiming they had essentially “robbed” Pacquiao of a well-deserved victory.
A Shocking Decision
The bout, which was anticipated to be a major event for both fighters, ended with a highly disputed decision. Many fans and analysts, including Smith, were left stunned when the fight was called a draw despite what many considered to be a clear advantage for Pacquiao. The Filipino boxing legend was widely believed to have outboxed Mario Barrios throughout the contest, showing flashes of his old brilliance with sharp counters, impressive footwork, and a relentless attacking style.
However, the official scorecards didn’t reflect Pacquiao’s dominance. The judges’ decision, which resulted in a draw, left many questioning the integrity of the ruling. Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back when addressing the controversy, openly accusing the judges of failing to recognize Pacquiao’s superiority inside the ring.
Smith’s Criticism: “This Was a Robbery”
On ESPN’s First Take, Smith made his thoughts clear, stating, “If you watch that fight, there’s no way in the world that fight should have been a draw. Manny Pacquiao clearly won, and it wasn’t even close.” He went on to accuse the judges of failing to give Pacquiao the credit he deserved, calling the decision “a robbery.”
He further pointed out that Pacquiao, despite being a seasoned veteran, was still in top form and clearly outclassed Barrios, who struggled to keep up with the Filipino icon’s experience and skill. Smith slammed the judges for “missing the obvious,” and said that this kind of decision “does a disservice to boxing as a whole.”
Fans and Experts Join the Outcry
Stephen A. Smith wasn’t alone in his criticism. A number of fans, commentators, and former boxers have also voiced their frustration with the decision. Many took to social media to express their belief that Pacquiao had done enough to earn the win, with some calling the draw a blemish on the sport’s integrity.
Former world champion boxer, Timothy Bradley, also weighed in on the matter, stating, “Pacquiao clearly won that fight. No question about it. I don’t know what the judges were watching, but it wasn’t the fight that we saw.”
Pacquiao’s Legacy Still Intact
While the decision left many scratching their heads, it hasn’t diminished Manny Pacquiao’s legendary status in the boxing world. The 42-year-old boxing icon’s reputation as one of the greatest to ever step into the ring remains intact. Despite the controversy, Pacquiao’s performance in the fight demonstrated that he still possesses the skills and resilience that earned him eight world titles across different weight classes.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Pacquiao?
With the draw behind him, questions remain about Pacquiao’s future in the sport. While some believe the controversial decision could be a sign for him to retire for good, others feel that the injustice of the draw could motivate him to return to the ring and prove the doubters wrong.
One thing is clear: Manny Pacquiao’s journey in boxing is far from over, and no matter what happens next, his legacy as a global icon will forever be solidified.
Stephen A. Smith, in his own unrelenting style, summed it up perfectly: “Robbery or not, Pacquiao is still one of the greatest we’ve ever seen. But damn, that was a tough pill to swallow.”