Manny Pacquiao, the boxing legend and former senator of the Philippines, is making a highly anticipated return to the ring after a nearly four-year hiatus. The 46-year-old will face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship on July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas. This comeback comes as Pacquiao prepares for his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame next month, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.
Pacquiao's last official fight took place on August 21, 2021, where he lost a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas in a bid for the WBA (Super) welterweight title. Following that match, he announced his retirement on social media, expressing his intent to focus on his political career. Despite stepping away from boxing, rumors of his return have circulated since he participated in an exhibition match against kickboxer Rukiya Anpo at Super RIZIN 3 in July 2024.
According to ESPN's Andreas Hale, Pacquiao's return is imminent, and he has been cleared to compete by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The WBC has specific rules that allow a former champion to request a title fight upon returning from retirement, which Pacquiao is taking advantage of. "At this time, Mario Barrios is going to face Manny Pacquiao in July," said WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, emphasizing the significance of the matchup.
Barrios, who boasts a record of 29 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, last fought in November 2024, where he battled Abel Ramos to a draw on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson event. Barrios claimed the WBC welterweight title in 2023 after defeating Ugas, and he has been a notable presence in the welterweight division since then.
The upcoming fight is not just about titles; it also marks a significant moment in Pacquiao's storied career. Known as boxing's first and only eight-division world champion, he has achieved remarkable success, including victories over legendary fighters like Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, and Erik Morales. However, he also faced setbacks, such as his unanimous decision loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2015, which generated an unprecedented $400 million in pay-per-view revenue.
As Pacquiao gears up for his return, he is simultaneously engaged in a close Senate race in the Philippines, where he previously served from 2016 to 2022. The elections are set for May 12, 2025, just a few months before his highly anticipated fight.
Fans are eager to see how Pacquiao will perform after his long absence from competitive boxing. His career record stands at an impressive 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, with 39 of those victories coming by way of knockout. This upcoming bout will be streamed via PBC on Prime Video pay-per-view, making it accessible to a broad audience.
The fight card also features a co-main event rematch between unified junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora and Tim Tszyu, who previously faced off in March 2024. Fundora won that encounter by split decision, and fans are looking forward to seeing how the rematch unfolds.
As the date approaches, anticipation builds for what could be a historic night in boxing. Will Pacquiao reclaim his spot among the elite in the sport, or will Barrios prove too tough an opponent? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the boxing world is buzzing with excitement over Pacquiao's return.
