‘Rested’ Pacquiao relishing boxing comeback at 46, eyes July Title clash with Barrios
Manny Pacquiao is back. At 46, the Filipino boxing legend is preparing for a stunning return to the ring, nearly four years after he hung up his gloves following a loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021. Speaking at a press conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Pacquiao confirmed he is in training for a WBC welterweight title fight against Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas — a comeback that has stirred both excitement and concern in the boxing world.
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Why the comeback now?
Pacquiao, who owns an unparalleled legacy with 12 world titles in 8 weight divisions, said he simply missed the thrill of the sport.
“I’m returning because I miss my boxing… being interviewed, press conference, training camp, everything,” Pacquiao said. “I’ve rested my body for four years. And now I come back.”
His retirement, he revealed, left him devastated and tearful, but regular training and intense workouts at his home in the Philippines rekindled his confidence.
“I realized when I’m playing basketball, training at the gym — I still have that passion. I still have that speed and power.”
Is It Safe? WBC and Family Say Yes
Pacquiao’s return has sparked debate, especially with Barrios being 16 years younger. But the World Boxing Council (WBC) has greenlit the comeback under a special rule allowing former champions to request a title shot upon unretirement.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman reassured fans that Pacquiao poses “no higher risk than any other fighter.”
“He’s not a drinker. He’s not a drug user. He’s a family man that has taken care of himself,” Sulaiman said. “He’s at the lowest risk.”
Pacquiao added that his family fully supports him after witnessing his training and conditioning.
“They support me because they can see the old Pacquiao style.”
While respectful, Mario Barrios made it clear he’s not in the ring for nostalgia. “He’s a hard guy to dislike. But at the end of the day, it’s kill or be killed,” Barrios said. “If he hurts me, he’ll try to finish me. I have to do the same.”
Fight Details
- Event: WBC Welterweight Title Fight
- Date: July 19, 2025
- Venue: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Fighters: Manny Pacquiao (46) vs Mario Barrios (30)
Pacquiao’s legacy at a glance
- Debut: 1995
- Professional Record: 62 wins – 8 losses – 2 draws
- World Titles: 12, across 8 weight divisions
- Notable Wins: Barrera, Morales, De La Hoya, Hatton, Cotto, Thurman
As one of boxing’s most beloved figures returns to the spotlight, all eyes will be on Las Vegas in July. Whether it ends in triumph or a passing of the torch, Manny Pacquiao’s latest chapter is already one for the history books.
SportsLigue