Manny Pacquiao will step back into the boxing ring on July 19 in Las Vegas. The 46-year-old legend has confirmed he'll challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship at the MGM Grand.
Pacquiao retired in August 2021 after losing a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas for the WBA super welterweight title. At the time, he said:
"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."
But now, after four years away, the only boxer to win world titles in eight different divisions is ready for another shot at glory. Pacquiao announced his comeback on social media:
"I'm back. On July 19, I return to the ring to face the WBC welterweight champion, Mario Barrios, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas... Let's make history."
The WBC's decision to allow Pacquiao to compete for the title after such a long layoff has sparked controversy. Juan Manuel Marquez, a former rival of Pacquiao, questioned the move:
"The one to blame is the organization, why does it put Pacquiao to fight for the world title after four years inactive? Where are the ranked from 1 to 10, from 1 to 5? The organization is making a mistake, but letting a historic fighter fight is not an issue. If he feels good, if he has no pain from an injury, let's give him the benefit of the doubt, of how he would come back."
Jeff Mayweather and British commentator Dave Coldwell have also criticized the WBC's decision. Coldwell voiced his concerns on X, formerly known as Twitter:
"This is embarrassing from @WBCBoxing: 4 years retired. 6 years since his last win, how the hell does that entitle him to a world title shot?"
Despite the controversy, fans will surely be excited to see if Pacquiao can turn back the clock and add another chapter to his storied career.
