Manila, July 20 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday hailed boxing icon Manny Pacquiao for uniting and inspiring the nation following his comeback bout against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, which ended in a majority draw on Sunday in Las Vegas.

"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," Marcos said in a statement posted on social media.

Pacquiao, 46, stood toe-to-toe with the younger and bigger Barrios in a 12-round battle.

One judge gave Barrios a narrow 115-113 edge, while the two others scored it 114-114.

READ: Pacquiao's comeback vs. Barrios ends in draw

"At 46, up against a younger and bigger opponent, he reminded th...