Manny Pacquiao is getting back in the ring. The boxing legend will face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship on July 19 in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao, now 46, hasn't fought since August 2021. He lost a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas for the WBA super welterweight belt. After that fight, Pacquiao hung up his gloves.
"This is the hardest decision I've ever made, but I'm at peace with it. Chase your dreams, work hard and see what happens. Goodbye to boxing."
Those were Pacquiao's words when he retired. But now, about two years later, he's coming back.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) made a special rule to let Pacquiao fight for the title. This move has caused some debate in the boxing world. Some people think it's more about nostalgia than real competition.
Pacquiao's name never really left the spotlight. Even when he wasn't fighting, people still talked about him. He's the only boxer to win world titles in eight different weight classes. That's a big deal.
But there are worries about this comeback. Will this be a one-time thing? Can Pacquiao still compete at his age? He'll be facing a younger, fresher opponent in Barrios.
The fight will happen in Las Vegas, a city where Pacquiao has had many big nights. But this time, it's different. He's older, he's been out of the ring, and he's facing a tough challenger.
This fight is sure to get a lot of attention. Fans will want to see if "Pacman" still has what it takes. Can he add another world title to his amazing career? We'll find out on July 19.
