It’s not easy for legends of a sport to hang it up when the time calls for it. When the legs are gone or the strength evaporates, most athletes know they have to take the unenviable step of riding into the sunset. But for Manny Pacquiao, it’s simply not that easy. Now 46 years old, PacMan has been teasing a return to the ring for quite some time.
With his last professional fight coming in 2021 at the age of 42, everyone assumed his boxing career was over once he officially announced his retirement following a loss to Yordenis Ugas. But Pacquiao got the itch again in 2024, with reports coming out that a return was very possible. It took some time, but now we know it’s for real.
Manny Pacquiao to fight Mario Barrios in July for world title
While on the ground at Fatal Fury in New York City, WBC President Mauricio Sulamain spilled a stunning piece of information regarding Pacquiao’s return: He’s coming back and will face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title.
At this time, Mario Barrios is going to fight Manny Pacquiao in July. That’s a tremendous fight… It was released by PBC. His first title was at flyweight in the WBC, he wants to retire as the WBC champion so he’s fighting in the welterweight division.
There hasn’t actually been an official announcement, but it comes straight from the horse’s mouth. Sulaiman is as primary of a source as you can get. Another report from Brunch Boxing claims “nothing can or will be announced” until Pacquiao’s senate campaign ends. The 2025 Philippine Senate election will be held on May 12.
It’s fair to wonder where Pacquiao’s head is at from a boxing standpoint, considering he’s in the middle of a political campaign. We also don’t know what kind of shape he’s in at his age. The last time we saw him in a ring, he drew against kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in a three-round exhibition.
Given the election is on May 12, odds are Pacquiao will want the fight to be as late in July as possible. As for the venue, Las Vegas is a pretty good bet. PBC held six events in Vegas since the start of 2024, with only three coming in other cities. Four of those six were at the T-Mobile Arena.
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