Manny Pacquiao Returns to the Ring to Face Mario Barrios
The legendary Manny Pacquiao is set to return to the ring on July 19th, after an absence of almost four years. He will face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. The official announcement of the fight was made on Saturday in Las Vegas.Pacquiao, 46, is the only boxer in history to win titles in eight different divisions. His last fight was in August 2021, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
With a professional record that began in January 1995, Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) has conquered titles from flyweight (112 pounds) to super welterweight (154 pounds). In addition, on June 8, he will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
If Pacquiao manages to defeat Barrios, he would become the first boxer to win a world title after being inducted into the Hall of Fame.
“I always bring surprises to the fans. I don’t take this lightly. I’m pushing myself to the limit to prepare for this fight,” Pacquiao stated in a press conference in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Manny Pacquiao
Why is Pacquiao Returning?
Pacquiao’s return raises questions. Why is he coming back after so many years? What are his chances against an opponent 16 years younger? Pacquiao himself offered a clue on Saturday, mentioning his love for the sport.
“I’m coming back because it’s my passion. I was away for four years, but I always think about boxing. I really missed it,” Pacquiao stated.
Manny Pacquiao
In his first social media post confirming the fight on May 21st, he also highlighted the historical importance of the match. “I’m back!” he wrote, concluding with “Let’s make history!” Pacquiao will seek to become the oldest boxer to win the welterweight championship, surpassing the record he set in 2019 by defeating Keith Thurman for the WBA title at age 40.
How Pacquiao Got a Title Fight?
Despite not having won a fight in almost six years, the WBC rules allow a former champion to request a title fight after retiring. After announcing his return, Pacquiao was ranked number 5 in the WBC welterweight rankings. He is positioned behind Devin Haney, Souleymane Cissokho, Conor Benn, and Egidijus Kavaliauskas.
How Did Pacquiao Look in His Last Fight?
In his last fight against Ugas in 2021, Pacquiao showed a slower version. He lacked the footwork and explosiveness that characterized him. His movements were predictable, and Ugas, a technically solid boxer from Cuba, kept him at a distance with his jab and took advantage of the moments with his right hand. According to CompuBox, Pacquiao connected only 130 of 815 punches (19%).
Who is Mario Barrios?
Barrios, a 30-year-old boxer from San Antonio, is the current WBC welterweight champion. Standing at 6 feet tall, he presents a challenge to the 147-pound division. He is known for his high punch volume, although he often compensates for his reach with close-range fighting.
Barrios has been successful in his professional career, with a record of 26-0 before being stopped by Gervonta Davis in 2021 in a super lightweight fight. Barrios lost his next fight against Thurman in 2022, but has remained undefeated in his last four fights, including a unanimous decision victory against Ugas in 2023 for the WBC interim title.
In his most recent fight in November, Barrios drew by split decision with Abel Ramos.
“Every fight and main event I’ve been in has prepared me for Manny Pacquiao. This is my moment. I’m defending my title against a legend,” Barrios stated on Saturday.
Mario Barrios
How Does This Impact Pacquiao’s Hall of Fame Induction?
It has no impact. Pacquiao was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in December, long before he planned his retirement. Pacquiao will headline this year’s class on June 8, along with Vinny Paz, Michael Nunn, and others.
Preliminary Prediction
Pacquiao (+300) looked slow and unsure in his defeat against Ugas four years ago. The boxing legend will need the explosiveness and speed he had in the past to overcome Barrios’ physical advantages. Barrios (-400) will use his reach to keep his opponent at a distance and surpass him by decision to retain his title.
