Manny Pacquiao will step back into the ring at 46 years old. The boxing icon plans to challenge Marios Barrios for the WBC welterweight title on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao hasn't fought since August 2021 when he lost a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas in a WBA welterweight title clash. Now, he's looking to make history once again. If he wins, he'll break his own record as the oldest welterweight world champion, which he set in July 2019 by beating Keith Thurman.
Barrios won the interim WBC welterweight title in September 2023 by defeating Yordenis Ugas. The WBC elevated him to full champion status in June 2024.
Yordenis Ugas, who has fought both Pacquiao and Barrios, shared his thoughts on the matchup with BoxeoUrbanoNetwork.
"It's a big risk for Barrios. If he wins, people will say, 'Pacquiao was old.' If he loses, they'll say, 'You lost to an old man.' When I fought Pacquiao, he was coming off a huge win over the top welterweight in 2019. Now, he's coming off a four-year layoff and a loss. It'll be a good fight, though."
Pacquiao's return to boxing has generated a lot of interest. ESPN reported on the announcement, highlighting the Filipino star's attempt to make history once more.
The fight promises to be an interesting clash between the experienced veteran and the current champion. Fans will have to wait until July 19 to see if Pacquiao can reclaim his former glory or if Barrios will defend his newly acquired title.
