Manny Pacquiao is getting ready to step back into the boxing ring. The 46-year-old eight-division world champion plans to end his four-year retirement with a big fight in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao will face Mario Barrios, the current WBC world welterweight champion, on Saturday, July 19. The fight will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, a venue that's seen many of Pacquiao's memorable battles.
The Filipino legend last fought professionally in June 2021. He lost his WBA welterweight title to Yordenis Ugas in a unanimous decision. Since then, Pacquiao has kept busy with exhibition matches against Rukiya Anpo in 2022 and DK Yoo in 2024.
Now, Pacquiao aims to make history once again. He wants to become the oldest world welterweight champion, a record he already holds. He won the title at 40 years old in 2019 by defeating Keith Thurman.
Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's long-time coach, will be in his corner for this comeback fight. The pair have worked together for 16 years and 34 fights, forming one of boxing's most successful partnerships.
Yordenis Ugas, who defeated Pacquiao in his last pro fight, shared his thoughts on Pacquiao's power at a post-fight press conference.
"Of course Manny Pacquiao punches hard, he's a great puncher. He got rattled in the tenth and hit in the eleventh but he's a great warrior, he'd been hit hard before. This guy's fought one of the great amateurs, fought everybody in the pro's so he knows what he's gotta do when he gets tagged."
The WBC has already welcomed Pacquiao back, putting him in their rankings at the start of the month. This move sets the stage for his title shot against Barrios.
Pacquiao's return to professional boxing has got fans excited about seeing the legend back in action. The July 19 fight promises to be a thrilling contest between a seasoned champion and a hungry challenger looking to make history once again.
