Iconic Filipino boxing star Manny Pacquiao is poised to make a sensational comeback to professional boxing at the age of 46, ending a four-year retirement to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title.
According to a report by ESPN published on Thursday, May 8, sighted by AhotorSports the highly anticipated bout is scheduled for July 19 in Las Vegas, a city synonymous with some of Pacquiao’s most legendary fights.
The news, sourced from unidentified individuals close to the event, marks a dramatic return for one of boxing’s all-time greats.
A Storied Career and a Four-Year Hiatus
Pacquiao, renowned for winning 12 world titles across eight different weight classes, last competed on August 21, 2021, when he faced Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas. That fight saw the Filipino legend lose the WBA welterweight crown via a unanimous 12-round decision, marking his final appearance in the ring before stepping away from the sport. Now, nearly four years later, at an age when most boxers have long retired, Pacquiao is set to defy expectations once again.
Fight Details and Official Clearance
The report highlights that WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed Pacquiao’s intentions during a fight event in Saudi Arabia last week. Sulaiman revealed that Pacquiao had expressed his desire to face Barrios for the WBC welterweight title in July and has already been cleared to compete by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. This clearance is a critical step, ensuring the fight meets all regulatory requirements to proceed in Las Vegas, a global hub for marquee boxing matches.
Under WBC rules, former champions like Pacquiao are granted the privilege of requesting a world title fight upon returning from retirement. This provision reflects the organization’s recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the sport and provides a direct pathway back to championship contention.
Pacquiao’s opponent, Mario Barrios, is the current WBC welterweight champion, bringing a blend of youth, skill, and resilience to the ring. Known for his technical ability, Barrios represents a significant challenge for the 46-year-old Pacquiao.
The matchup pits the veteran’s unparalleled experience—having faced boxing’s elite over decades—against the physical advantages of a younger titleholder. This classic clash of youth versus experience promises an intriguing battle for fans and analysts alike.
While Pacquiao’s last outing against Ugas showed signs of his enduring talent, his age and the four-year layoff raise questions about whether he can still summon the speed, power, and stamina that defined his prime. Nevertheless, Pacquiao’s history of overcoming odds suggests he remains a formidable contender.
Pacquiao’s return to boxing comes amidst a whirlwind of personal and professional commitments. Next month, he is slated for induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, an honor celebrating his remarkable legacy, including his unprecedented success across multiple weight divisions. This accolade, set for June, will precede his ring return by just weeks, adding a poetic symmetry to his comeback story.
Additionally, Pacquiao is deeply engaged in Philippine politics, facing a Senate election next week. Balancing a political campaign with the grueling demands of training for a world title fight will test his renowned multitasking abilities.
Historically, Pacquiao has leveraged his boxing fame to bolster his political career, and this fight could serve as both a personal triumph and a platform to energize his voter base.
For fans, especially in the Philippines where Pacquiao is a national hero, this bout is more than a sporting event—it’s a cultural moment. His fights have long been celebrated as communal experiences, drawing massive viewership and pride. A victory over Barrios would be a stunning achievement, potentially paving the way for future blockbuster matchups—perhaps a rematch with Ugas or clashes with other welterweight stars. It would also reinforce Pacquiao’s narrative as a fighter who transcends age and time.
Should he fall short, questions may arise about the wisdom of his return, though his legacy as one of boxing’s greatest figures—built on a career of 62 wins, 12 losses, and 2 draws, with 39 knockouts—seems unshakable.
