Manny Pacquiao is getting back in the ring. The Filipino boxing legend will face Mario Barrios for the WBC Welterweight World Title on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao hasn't fought since 2021 when he lost to Yordenis Ugas. That bruising defeat led him to hang up his gloves and focus on his political career in the Philippines. But now, at 45 years old, he's aiming to break his own record as boxing's oldest 147-pound world champion.
His opponent, Mario Barrios, is no pushover. The Mexican-American fighter, known as "El Azteca," got his shot at the title when Terence Crawford vacated the belt in June 2024. Barrios' last fight ended in a split draw against Abel Ramos in November 2023.
Barrios started boxing at 11 and turned pro at 18 in 2013. He's racked up an impressive record of 29 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with 18 knockouts. The 6-foot orthodox fighter has a 73-inch reach and has shown he can handle tough competition.
In 2019, Barrios beat the undefeated Batyr Akhmedov for the WBA Regular 140-pound strap. He moved up to welterweight in 2023, stopping Jovanie Santiago and then defeating Yordenis Ugas for the WBC Interim belt.
"I'm excited to return to the ring and test myself against a champion like Mario Barrios," Pacquiao said. "I've been training hard and I feel great. This fight is a chance for me to prove I still have what it takes to compete at the highest level."
Barrios has faced his share of challenges too. He lost to Gervonta Davis by stoppage in his final super-lightweight fight and dropped a decision to Keith Thurman in his welterweight debut. But he's bounced back strong and won't be intimidated by Pacquiao's legendary status.
"Manny is a legend, but this is my time," Barrios said. "I respect what he's done in boxing, but I'm hungry and ready to prove I belong at the top of this division."
The fight promises to be an exciting clash of generations, with Pacquiao's experience and speed against Barrios' youth and power. Boxing fans around the world will be watching to see if Pacquiao can turn back the clock one more time or if Barrios will cement his place as the new king of the welterweights.
