Manny Pacquiao's getting ready to step back into the ring. The 46-year-old Filipino boxing legend plans to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on Saturday, July 19, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao last fought professionally in June 2021, losing to Yordenis Ugas and giving up his WBA welterweight title. Since then, he's kept busy with exhibition matches against Rukiya Anpo and DK Yoo.
The boxing world's got mixed feelings about Pacquiao's comeback. Some think he's doing it for the money, while others reckon he wants to add to his already impressive legacy.
Zab Judah, a retired two-division world champion, believes Pacquiao's got what it takes to win. In an interview, Judah picked 'Pac-Man' to come out on top against Barrios.
To get ready for the fight, Pacquiao's teamed up again with his long-time coach, Freddie Roach. The pair worked together for 16 years and over 30 fights, and now they're back at it.
If Pacquiao wins, he'll break his own record as the oldest world welterweight champion. He set that record back in 2019 at age 40 when he beat Keith 'One Time' Thurman for the WBA welterweight title.
"I'm excited to be back in the ring," Pacquiao said. "Mario Barrios is a tough opponent, but I'm training hard and I'm ready for the challenge."
Barrios, the current WBC welterweight champ, knows he's in for a tough fight. "Pacquiao's a legend," he said. "But I'm the champion now, and I plan to keep my belt."
ESPN reports that the fight's officially set, and fans are eager to see if Pacquiao's still got what it takes to compete at the highest level.
