Manny Pacquiao, regarded as one of the greatest boxers of the last three decades, is poised to make a significant return to the ring on July 19, as he takes on Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. This matchup marks Pacquiao’s first fight since he lost to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021, which had already been a considerable gap in his fighting career since his previous bout in over two years.
At 46, Pacquiao aims to defy expectations by challenging the younger 30-year-old Barrios, who holds the WBC title and is seeking to mark his career with a major victory. Pacquiao, who previously became the oldest fighter to win a welterweight title at age 40, expressed his motivation for returning to the sport, stating that he feels blessed and passionate about fighting once again. “Even though I’m 46, if you are still dreaming in your life, you can make it,” he emphasized, aiming to inspire both young boxers and those with dreams beyond the ring.
Barrios, on the other hand, has his sights set on establishing himself with a win over Pacquiao, having previously fought and lost to prominent names such as Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman. He earned a reputation after capturing the interim WBC belt and retaining it in a notable split draw against Abel Ramos.
The fight card promises additional excitement with matchups such as Tim Tszyu rematching Sebastian Fundora for the WBC junior middleweight title, alongside bouts featuring Isaac Cruz and Brandon Figueroa. The event is set to unfold at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, starting at 8 p.m. ET, and will be available on PBC on Prime PPV for $79.99.
This highly anticipated event promises an exhilarating night for boxing fans, highlighting the enduring legacy of Pacquiao while also spotlighting upcoming talents in the sport. As we count down to fight night, the excitement continues to build for what could be a remarkable chapter in Pacquiao’s storied career, showcasing his resilience and passion for boxing even beyond his prior retirement.