Boxing Superstar Manny Pacquiao to Make Return: Details on Challenger, Match Date Revealed - Insight Report
Manny Pac-Man's Spectacular Comeback:
Hold onto your hats, boxing fans! The legendary Manny Pacquiao is set to make a grand return to the ring[1][2][3]. According to ESPN's Andreas Hale, the all-time great isn't just stepping up for a mere exhibition—Pac-Man is returning with his sights set on a world-title fight.
Our very own Filipino icon, now 46 years young, will challenge Mario Barrios for his WBC welterweight title[1]. The fight goes down on July 19, 2025, at the renowned MGM Grand in Las Vegas[1]. The main event will also feature a much-anticipated rematch between WBC and WBO super welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora and Tim Tszyu[1].
Speaking of Tim Tszyu, after his loss to Fundora, he faced a grueling challenge against Bakhram Murtazaliev in October 2024, which resulted in a devastating defeat. However, Tszyu bounced back with a spectacular fourth-round TKO win over Joseph Spencer in April, setting the stage for his anticipated rematch[1].
This epic card will be a Premier Boxing Champions Prime Video pay-per-view event[1]. Pacquiao hasn't fought professionally since losing a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021[1]. Although he participated in an exhibition against Rukiya Anpo in July 2024, his performance didn't truly impress[1].
Meanwhile, Sebastian Fundora upset Tszyu in 2024 to capture the titles and has successfully defended them once against Chordale Booker in March with a fourth-round TKO victory[1].
Rumors of this bout have been circulating since mid-2024, but Pacquiao needed approval from the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which he received earlier this month, making him eligible to challenge for the WBC title according to the governing body's rules[1].
As Pacquiao prepares for his comeback, he's also juggling a busy political life as he continues to run for a spot as a senator in his native country[1]. The upcoming election might explain why he hasn't officially announced the bout yet, but it appears all parties have agreed to terms.
Barrios, who sports a 29-2-1 record with 18 KOs[1], last fought in November on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson. Facing Abel Ramos, Barrios and Ramos ended up in a split draw[1]. Barrios won the interim WBC title by beating Ugas in September 2023, and was elevated to full champion when Terence Crawford vacated the title to move up to 154 pounds[1].
Barrios' only losses have come against Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman[1]. Expect him to be a heavy favorite over Pacquiao when they square off.
More details about this highly anticipated fight will emerge in the coming weeks[1]. How about a little drama to stir up the hype? Imagine, if Barrios stormed the International Boxing Hall of Fame's ceremony to taunt Pacquiao[1]?That could definitely ignite some excitement around the fight!
Manny Pacquiao, the Filipino boxing legend, will challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title on July 19, 2025, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Pacquiao is definitely returning to professional boxing after his last fight against Yordenis Ugas in 2021, and his sights are set on a world-title fight. Meanwhile, Barrios is a seasoned boxer with a record of 29-2-1 and 18 KOs, having won the interim WBC title from Yordenis Ugas in 2023.
