Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has officially confirmed his return to the sport, announcing a world title challenge against Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship. The highly anticipated fight is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao, a global sports superstar, retired from professional boxing almost four years ago. His remarkable career spanned 72 bouts and saw him become an unprecedented eight-division world champion, claiming titles from flyweight all the way up to super welterweight.
The 45-year-old fighter revealed his comeback plans on social media on Wednesday. He is set to face Barrios at the renowned MGM Grand on July 19, a return occurring shortly after his recent involvement in political activities in the Philippines.
“I`m back,” Pacquiao wrote. “On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Let`s make history!”
Pacquiao`s professional record stands at 62 wins (39 by knockout) and 8 losses. His last appearance in the ring was a unanimous decision defeat to Yordenis Ugas, where he lost his WBA title.
Since that fight, the legendary “PacMan” has concentrated primarily on his political career in his native Philippines. He served as a senator from 2016 to 2022 and recently concluded an unsuccessful bid in the latest elections.
Meanwhile, Mario Barrios, the reigning WBC welterweight titleholder, is considered a tough challenge for Pacquiao. The 29-year-old most recently defended his belt with a draw against Abel Ramos in November. Notably, Barrios defeated Yordenis Ugas in 2023 to win the WBC interim belt, overcoming the same opponent who handed Pacquiao his last defeat.
Despite his age and time away from competition, Pacquiao has been granted a fifth-place ranking by the WBC, paving the way for him to challenge Barrios, who holds a professional record of 29 wins in 32 fights.
Amir Khan Offers Caution Regarding Pacquiao`s Return
Amir Khan, a former fighter who was once a potential opponent for Pacquiao, recently spoke to Sky Sports about his concerns regarding Pacquiao`s choice of opponent for his return fight.
Having previously sparred with Barrios, Khan knows the champion`s capabilities well and expressed hope that the veteran Southpaw doesn`t regret taking on such a dangerous foe.
“It`s a fantastic fight for Mario, he needs that big fight. He`ll be paid well and fighting a legend like Manny Pacquiao, who would say no to that? Mario deserves this fight because every fighter wants that big payday. It will be fantastic for him.”
“He`s a very good boxer,” Khan added. “I don`t know how much Manny`s got left in him. If they were in their prime, in their peak, then I`d say all day Manny Pacquiao. But this could be a tricky fight for Pacquiao.”
Murray Blackwood