Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has announced that he is coming out of retirement to fight for the WBC Welterweight Championship against Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas. The 46-year-old Pacquiao made the announcement on Wednesday, exciting fans worldwide as he prepares to step back into the ring after a brief hiatus.
Pacquiao, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers in history, is the only fighter to have won world championships in an unprecedented eight weight divisions. He also holds the record for being the oldest welterweight world champion, achieving the feat at the age of 40 in 2019. His decision to return to the ring marks a new chapter in his illustrious career.
In a post on Instagram, Pacquiao shared his excitement: “I’m back. 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,” he wrote, confirming that the fight will take place at the renowned MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
The Filipino icon, who has a career record of 62 wins, eight losses, and two draws, retired from boxing in 2021, choosing to focus on his political career. He served as a senator in the Philippines from 2016 to 2022 and even ran for president in 2022. However, Pacquiao’s love for boxing seems to have brought him back to the sport.
His opponent, Mario Barrios, is a 29-year-old Mexican-American boxer with a record of 29 wins and 2 losses, 18 of those wins coming by knockout. Barrios is known for his knockout power and will be looking to defend his WBC Welterweight title against the returning Pacquiao.
As Pacquiao prepares for his comeback, he will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2025, further cementing his place in boxing history. Fans are eager to see if the legendary fighter can reclaim his place at the top of the welterweight division.
This highly anticipated showdown between Pacquiao and Barrios promises to be a thrilling contest, with Pacquiao’s return sparking hope for more historic moments in the sport of boxing.
