Pacquiao will face WBC Champion Mario Barrios on July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas. At 46 years old, he's got a chance to break his own record as the oldest welterweight titleholder.
The last time we saw Pacquiao in action was in 2021. He lost to Yordenis Ugas in a fight for the WBA Welterweight World Title. That bout wasn't supposed to happen - Pacquiao was set to face Errol Spence Jr, but Spence had to pull out due to an eye injury.
After the loss to Ugas, Pacquiao took to social media to announce his retirement. In a 15-minute video, he said:
"Even me, I'm amazed at what I have done. The only boxer to hold world titles in four different decades and became the oldest boxer to win a world welterweight title, an amazing accomplishment. It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over. Today, I am announcing my retirement. I never thought that this day would come. As I hang up my boxing gloves, I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people, for supporting Manny Pacquiao."
But now, it looks like Pacquiao's not quite done yet. He's coming back for one more shot at glory against Barrios.
Not everyone's happy about this comeback. Some analysts and fighters have criticized the decision. They're worried about a 46-year-old legend getting an immediate world title shot and bypassing active contenders.
Yordenis Ugas, the man who beat Pacquiao in his last fight, had something to say about it. On social media, he commented: "He's a warrior, he's a champ, he's a legend." This came after a post talking about the 'punishment' Pacquiao took and might face again.
The WBC has stood by its decision to sanction the fight. They're giving Pacquiao the chance to add another incredible achievement to his already amazing career.