World Boxing News has confirmed Floyd Mayweather will not make a return to professional boxing for world title fight opportunities in 2025, marking ten years since his last competitive bout. Speculations of Mayweather, now 48, coming back to challenge for the WBC welterweight crown against rival Manny Pacquiao are unfounded, according to sources from the boxing community. Reports of this return started circulating on social media but faced immediate dismissal by WBN.
Bob Santos, the trainer of the current WBC champion Mario Barrios, indicated Mayweather’s name hadn't been mentioned when asked about title defenses. Santos clarified to WBN, "Pacquiao is the only one we’re discussing for Barrios’ next fight this summer." Should this matchup not occur, Barrios will pivot to another contender from the WBC rankings.
Despite the gossip, it has not been confirmed at any point by Mayweather or his camp about any desire to obstruct Pacquiao's record-breaking aspirations. The highly anticipated Pacquiao vs. Barrios fight has been earmarked for July, primarily centered around its potential location at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Mayweather, currently invested more deeply in his real estate ventures, has reportedly not engaged with any boxing training since his exhibition bout against John Gotti III this past August. This fight, which he won amid chaotic scenes, was his last appearance following his victory over Conor McGregor back in 2017, marking the end of his professional boxing career for now.
This month promises more for fans of the sport, as Santos revealed active discussions for the Pacquiao-Barrios matchup. Pacquiao, now 46, has the rare opportunity to extend his record as the oldest welterweight champion by up to six years, should he defeat Barrios.
Despite the risks associated with aging and the challenges it presents, the Filipino boxing legend consistently showcases his impressive fitness and training regimen. His commitment to remain competitive is noteworthy as he attempts to balance his political pursuits with his boxing ambitions, which may extend through May.
Mario Barrios, training under Santos, resides close to Las Vegas, making him the ideal choice for Pacquiao's possible swan song as he contemplates going out on top. The boxing world remains eager to witness this monumental clash if it can be properly scheduled.
Across the boxing spectrum, Mike Tyson's much-talked-about return to the ring garnered mixed reactions following his recent bout with influencer boxer Jake Paul. Controversy surrounded the showdown last November, where Tyson was defeated by the much younger Paul, raising eyebrows over the legitimacy of the contest.
After Tyson openly stated he had been ill prior to the match, critics dismissed it as inappropriate for the aged boxing legend to compete against someone nearly 30 years younger. Notable personalities from the combat sports community, including former UFC fighter Don Frye, expressed their disdain at the event, describing it as shameful. Frye said, "I had to watch some real fighters because if I didn’t, I’d never watch another boxing match again. That was fraud.”
Tyson’s performance against Paul was labeled by many as falling short of the legacy he built during his peak as the youngest heavyweight champion in history. Paul’s admission post-fight suggested he controlled the match deliberately, which provoked many to question the ethics and value of such exhibitions.
The tumultuous boxing atmosphere reflects not only the evolution of fighters like Mayweather, Pacquiao, and Tyson but also highlights the increasingly blurred lines between professional boxing and entertainment exhibitions, with many recognizing the potential for monetary gain overtaking traditional competitive spirit.
With significant discussions surrounding possible matchups and the legacy of these icons, boxing fans have much to anticipate as the industry prepares for what could be intriguing changes leading up to 2025. Will Pacquiao seize the opportunity against Barrios, and what future path will Mayweather choose? The coming months will undoubtedly reveal more.