Manny Pacquiao will step back into the ring this summer at 46 years old. The Filipino legend plans to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC world welterweight title on Saturday, July 19, in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao's comeback will see him face the reigning champion Barrios at an unconfirmed venue in Vegas. The fight marks Pacquiao's return to professional boxing after a three-year break. His last pro bout was in 2021 when Yordenis Ugas outpointed him.
Since then, Pacquiao has kept busy with two exhibition contests against Rukiya Anpo and DK Yoo. But now he's ready for the real thing again.
Barrios will defend his WBC welterweight belt for the second time. He got the title after Terence Crawford gave it up to fight Israil Madrimov. Crawford won that fight last August and picked up the WBA light-middleweight title.
Barrios' last fight was a close call. He fought Abel Ramos to a split decision draw last November. Ramos even dropped Barrios in the sixth round, but the champ held on to keep his belt.
Oscar De La Hoya, who Pacquiao beat 17 years ago, shared his thoughts on the comeback:
"I wish him all the best. Obviously the truth is the truth, he's obviously not the same Pacquiao that fought me, that fought the greats. I wish him the best, be careful up there, he's not young like he used to be but I'm sure he still has that power so anything can happen but yeah, just be careful."
De La Hoya knows Pacquiao isn't the same fighter he once was. But he also knows Pacquiao still packs a punch. The former champ wants Pacquiao to be careful but thinks he might still have a shot.
