Attention boxing fans! Manny Pacquiao, the Filipino legend, is ready to return to the ring after almost four years of retirement. Alofoke Deportes confirms that Pacquiao will face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship on July 19 in Las Vegas.
The fight, which promises to be epic, will be available through PBC on Prime Video pay-per-view.
The Return of the Icon
The last time we saw Pacquiao in action was in August 2021, when he lost by unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas, in a fight for the WBA title. After this defeat, Pacquiao announced his retirement to focus on his political career. However, the only boxer in history to win eight world titles in different divisions, never strayed from the sport that made him a superstar.
Rumors about his return have been circulating for the past year. In July 2024, Pacquiao participated in an exhibition match against kickboxer Rukiya Anpo at Super RIZIN 3. His name has been linked to a possible clash with Barrios since the end of last year.
At this moment, Mario Barrios will face Manny Pacquiao in July. That’s a tremendous fight.
Mauricio Sulaiman, WBC president
The WBC president, Mauricio Sulaiman, confirmed that Pacquiao has already been authorized to compete by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The WBC allows former champions to request a title fight after their retirement.
Pacquiao, who will be inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame next month, is currently in the midst of a tight senatorial race in the Philippines. According to sources, the formal announcement of his return to boxing will be made after the May 12 elections.
Barrios, with a record of 29-2-1 and 18 KOs, is coming off a victory over Abel Ramos on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight. Barrios won the WBC interim title in September 2023 and was elevated to full champion in June 2024.
The co-main event will feature a rematch between unified super welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora (22-1-1, 14 KOs), and Tim Tszyu (25-2, 18 KOs). Tszyu and Fundora faced each other on March 30, 2024, with Fundora winning by split decision.
TGB Promotions has reserved the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for July 19. However, due to a scheduled event, the fight could be moved to the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
