Manny Pacquiao confirmed on social media today that he plans to come out of pension to challenge Mario Barrios for his WBC Welterweight title on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The 46-year-old Pacquiao wants to become world champion again.
The setback of Pacquiao which had an immediate title shot after four years of inactivity was great. Fans do not like the idea that the Philippine star is placed on the #5 place by the WBC, and that he gets a title shot in his first fight since 2021.
Pacquiao’s return
Fans suspect he is returning for the money, as the older Shoporn fighters make absurd amounts of dough for their fights. Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are examples of this.
Barrios (29-2-1, 18 food) is seen as a Paper champion at 147 by many fans. So Manny (62-8-2, 39 food) chose the perfect belt holder to try to win a belt in his comeback. Pacquiao’s old promoter, Bob Arum, doesn’t think it’s a good idea for him to fight at his age, and he is concerned about the possibility of being hurt.
Pacquiao’s former opponent, Tim Bradley, says Mario Barrios can “finish” him and return him in pension. He doesn’t think Manny can have to do with the much younger, unhelpful 29-year-old Barrios at his age.
Even if Pacquiao wins, how much credit will he receive for beating Barrios? It won’t be as much as he or she thinkers think it will do. Barrios probably lost his last fight against Fringe contender Abel Ramos in November in Arlington, Texas. The fight was scored as a 12-round, but many boxing fans won Ramos, including me.
Barrios’ defeats in the past came against Keith Thurman and lightweight Gevonta Davis. Thurman was out of the ring for more than two years when he fought Barrios.
I’m back.
On July 19, I returned to the Ring to encounter the WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Let’s make history! #Tappacquiao
pic.twitter.com/kescqeims0
– Manny Pacquiao (@Mannypacquiao) May 21, 2025
Last updated on 05/21/2025
