Manny Pacquiao tried to roll back the years as he bore down on the taller and younger World Boxing Council welterweight champion Mario Barrios of the US in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

A judge gave Barrios a 115-113 nod while two judges called it 114-all, resulting in a majority draw that allowed the 30-year-old to retain his title.

''I thought I won,'' said the 46-year-old Pacquiao in a televised interview after the fight, which many fans thought was big comeback for the former senator. Both fighters agreed on a rematch.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who was flying to the US for talks with President Donald Trump when the bout was held, said Pacquiao was still able to inspire nationalism in his recent match.

"The Filipinos won! It ended in a draw, but make no mistake, Manny Pacquiao gave us something far greater than a win ? pride and unity," he said.

"Thank you, People’s Champ. We’ll be ready when that rematch comes," he added.

Barrios kept the rushing Pacquiao at bay with jabs but despite being hit, Pacquiao attacked with his right, keeping his fabled left ready for the kill.

A big crowd at MGM Grand Garden Arena cheered for the Filipino boxing legend who kept the viewers fired up with his agressiveness. It looked like he was ahead before the last two rounds, but Barrios proved durable.

Barrios was on his toes with punching statistics showed him landing slightly more punches. DMS