Manny Pacquiao is getting ready to step back into the ring. The 46-year-old Filipino boxing legend will face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios 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 for the WBA welterweight title. Barrios, the current WBC champ, recently fought to a draw against Abel Ramos in November.
The fighters had their first face-off at a press conference on Saturday. Fans quickly noticed the size difference between the two boxers. Some expressed worry about Pacquiao's age and the weight disparity.
"Manny's gonna get hurt,"
one fan posted on social media. Another described it as a "lightweight vs welterweight" matchup.
Former world champion Amir Khan, who has sparred with both fighters, weighed in on the bout but didn't give a prediction.
If Pacquiao wins, he'll break his own record as the oldest welterweight world champion. He set that mark in 2019 at age 40 when he beat Keith Thurman.
Pacquiao confirmed his return to the ring, aiming to make history once again.
FIRST FACE-OFF ???? Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios Predictions? ???? #Boxing #PacquiaoBarrios
Fight Hub TV shared on Twitter, along with a photo of the two fighters squaring off.
