Manny Pacquiao is allegedly coming out of mothballs to challenge the WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas. The 46-year-old former eight divisions world champion Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 COs) will fight for the first time in four years since 2021, and want to seek his first victory in six years since 2019. Although Pacquiao is not arranged in the top 15, the WBC’s rules can challenge the former champions for their world titles from the retirement.
Meritocracy debate
Boxing fans on social media are divided over their minds about Pacquiao’s title shot without earning it. People who are fans of Pacquiao love the idea and do not see him back, and fight against the worst link among the belt holders at 147. On the other critics that this is a bad step for the Sport’s meritocracy. Fighters are supposed to earn title shots and not be given to them based on what they did a decade ago.
“Breaking: Boxing SuperStar Manny Pacquiao will end his almost four -year retirement to face Mario Barrios in Las Vegas on July 19 for the WBC Welterweight Championship, sources confirmed to Andreas Hale on Thursday,” X.
There is no guarantee that Pacquiao will succeed against 29-year-old Barrios (29-2-1, 18 COs). While Manny certainly chooses the worst of the champions at 147, he is not young and active enough to get a good chance to win. Pacquiao washed badly in his last fight in 2021 and lost against Yordenis Ugas by a 12-round decision.
He blamed his defense on cramps in his calves to run too much in training camp. He looked too old and ring-rusty of two years outside the ring. Ugas dominated Pacquiao in that battle.
There is the potential that Pacquiao is injured by Barrios. Hopefully, the referee walks in fast as it looks like Manny is taking a beating. It’s not a good idea to leave the 46-year-old out there.
The motive
It is unclear what the goal is for Pacquiao coming back. Some fans on social media believe that Pacquiao spent the fortune he received from the Mayweather’s struggle on his political career, and is now being forced to return to the ring.
Last updated on 05/08/2025
