Manny Pacquiao is getting back in the ring. The 46-year-old boxing legend will face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship on July 19 in Las Vegas. This marks Pacquiao's return to professional boxing after a four-year retirement.
Pacquiao last fought in 2021, losing a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas in a WBA super welterweight title fight. Since then, he's stayed close to the sport while pursuing a political career in the Philippines. He served as a Senator from 2016 to 2022 and is currently running for a Senate seat again.
The Filipino icon won't have an easy comeback fight. Barrios, hailing from San Antonio, Texas, boasts a record of 29 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with 18 knockouts. He recently beat Abel Ramos on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson event. Barrios claimed the WBC title by defeating Ugas in September 2023 and was elevated to full champion in June 2024 when Terence Crawford moved up in weight.
Mauricio Sulaiman, President of the World Boxing Council, confirmed the fight to Boxing King Media:
"At this time, Mario Barrios will face Manny Pacquiao in July. It's a tremendous fight."
The Nevada State Athletic Commission has approved Pacquiao's eligibility to compete. This aligns with WBC rules allowing former champions to request title fights when coming out of retirement.
Pacquiao's return raises questions about his future in the sport. Is this a one-off event or the start of a new phase in his career? And how will this fight impact his already legendary legacy?
Fans and pundits have mixed feelings about the comeback. Some worry about Pacquiao's age and the potential risks, while others are excited to see the eight-division world champion back in action.
Adding to the significance of Pacquiao's return, he'll be inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in June, just weeks before stepping back into the ring.
As July 19 approaches, all eyes will be on Las Vegas to see if Pacquiao can turn back the clock one more time against a tough, younger opponent in Barrios.
