Roy Jones Jr has revealed how he scored the welterweight showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios.
Pacquiao clashed with reigning WBC world champion Barrios at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on July 19, putting an end to four years of inactivity in the process.
After twelve competitive rounds, the fight was declared a majority decision draw with two out of the three judges at ringside scoring the bout 114-114 even, whilst the other had it 115-113 in favour of Barrios.
Many viewers felt that Pacquiao had done enough to be declared the winner and become the oldest welterweight champion of all time, breaking a record he set himself.
In an interview with Seconds Out, four-division world champion Jones was asked for his thoughts and said he had Pacquiao winning at the sound of the final bell.
“I thought he [Pacquiao] won the fight and against a person like the guy he just fought, I would love to see him back again.”
Jones was then asked if he believes Pacquiao can still go on to become a world champion once again.
“I think he should be world champ right now but, you know, it happens.”
The Filipino fighting legend looks likely to now continue with his professional career, at least for one more fight, although it remains to be seen whether the 46-year-old will face Barrios in a rematch.
Another option for ‘PacMan’ is a showdown with reigning WBA Champion Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, with the duo said to be interested in facing each other next.