Manny Pacquiao Announces Boxing Comeback, Set to Face WBC Champion Mario Barrios in July
Manila, The Gulf Observer: Boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is officially stepping back into the ring, nearly four years after his last professional fight. The Filipino icon announced via social media that he will challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“I’m back,” the 46-year-old Pacquiao declared, sending shockwaves through the boxing world.
Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion, will be aiming to rewrite his own history as the oldest welterweight world champion. He previously set that record at age 40 when he defeated Keith Thurman in 2019 to win the WBA (Super) title.
His return comes just a week after his unsuccessful bid for a Senate comeback in the Philippines, suggesting his focus is now firmly back on the sport where he built his global legacy.
Pacquiao’s last fight was in August 2021, when he lost via unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas. Since then, he has remained active in the gym, with recent training sessions held in General Santos City. He has now traveled to the United States to resume full-scale preparations under the guidance of his longtime trainer Freddie Roach and cornerman Buboy Fernandez.
Mario Barrios, the current WBC titleholder and a rising force in the division, will present a major challenge for Pacquiao. The fight marks a compelling generational showdown between an established legend and a younger champion eager to solidify his reign.
More details about the event, including the full undercard, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
