Manny Pacquiao is getting ready to step back into the boxing ring. The Filipino legend plans to challenge for the WBC welterweight title against Mario Barrios in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao, now 46, last fought in August 2021. He lost a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas for the WBA super welterweight championship. After that fight, Pacquiao announced his retirement to focus on his political career.
The only fighter to have been world champion in eight divisions, Pacquiao's return comes as a surprise. He's kept busy, though. In July 2024, he took part in an exhibition match against kickboxer Rukiya Anpo. Now, he's cleared to fight by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Pacquiao's opponent, Mario Barrios from San Antonio, Texas, has a record of 29 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw, and 18 knockouts. Barrios won the WBC title in September 2023 with a points decision over Yordenis Ugas. He became the absolute champion in June 2024 after Terence Crawford was named 'champion in recess' by the WBC.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed the fight:
"Mario Barrios will face Manny Pacquiao in July. It's a tremendous fight."
The WBC allows former champions coming out of retirement to request a title fight, making this match-up possible.
Pacquiao's return to boxing comes at a busy time for the Filipino icon. He's set to be inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame next month. On top of that, he's in a close race for a seat in the Senate of the Philippines, with the election scheduled for May 12.
The fight will be promoted by PBC and broadcast on pay-per-view. The exact date hasn't been announced yet, but it's expected to be a big event in Las Vegas.
Barrios recently fought on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight, beating Abel Ramos. His only losses have come against top fighters Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman.
As for Crawford, he's moved up to 154 pounds and will face Israil Madrimov for a title in that weight class.
Pacquiao's return adds another exciting chapter to his storied career. Fans will be eager to see if the 46-year-old can recapture his old magic against a tough, younger opponent in Barrios.
