Pacquiao hung up his gloves in September 2021 at 42 after losing to Yordenis Ugas. He left the sport with eight world titles in different divisions. Now, less than three years later, he's ready to lace them up again.
The 'Pac-Man' told ESPN he's still got plenty left in the tank.
"I made history at 40 by beating Keith Thurman, and I feel that at 45 I have a lot left in me, as I haven't taken many punches in recent years."
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed the fight and explained why Pacquiao can challenge for the belt without being officially ranked.
"Manny's first world title was at flyweight with the WBC. Now he wants to retire as WBC welterweight champion. We do have that provision in the regulations. A legendary champion with Pacquiao's credentials can fight."
Current WBA super welterweight champ Terence Crawford didn't dismiss Pacquiao's chances.
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"I don't know, we'll see. If he comes in and wins, everyone will say otherwise. So I don't put limits on an all-time great like Manny Pacquiao."
Pacquiao's opponent, Mario Barrios, is much younger and will try to spoil the comeback plans. The fight will test if Pacquiao can still compete at the highest level after nearly three years away from the ring.