Pacquiao's Return to the Ring: Adversary, Schedule, and Details - Update
Revved up comeback! It seems like Manny Pacquiao is hitting the ring once again.
Reports from ESPN's Andreas Hale indicate this isn't just an exhibition match for the boxing legend, but a title fight. Pacquiao, aged 46, is said to be challenging the 29-year-old Mario Barrios for his 147-pound belt.
The highly-anticipated bout is scheduled for July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, sharing the spotlight with a much-awaited rematch between Sebastian Fundora and Tim Tszyu.
Tszyu, who lost to Fundora in 2024, faced hardship in his next fight, getting brutally stopped by Bakhram Murtazaliev in October 2024. However, Tszyu bounced back triumphantly with an impressive fourth-round TKO win over Joseph Spencer in April, setting the stage for their rematch.
This Premier Boxing Champions event, airing on Prime Video PPV, promises to be a thrilling show.
Pacquiao last fought professionally in August 2021, when he lost a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas. Despite that, he participated in an exhibition against Rukiya Anpo in July 2024, although his performance didn't draw powerful praise.
Fundora stunned Tszyu in 2024 to capture the titles and has since successfully defended them once, against Chordale Booker in March. Fundora clinched that victory via fourth-round TKO.
Gossips about the fight have circulated since the middle of 2024, but Pacquiao needed clearance from the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which he received earlier this month, making him eligible to challenge for the WBC title under the competition's rules, allowing former champions to fight for their iconic belt if they return to boxing.
The International Boxing Hall of Fame induction in June may serve as a grand platform for Pacquiao to promote his upcoming title fight.
And here's a thought: Could Mario Barrios ignite some hype by crashing Pacquiao's Hall of Fame induction ceremony to taunt him? Pure drama, but it would certainly fire up the buzz around the fight!
Initially, Pacquiao retired to focus on politics in his country, where he is still running for a position as a senator. However, he's put politics on hold for now as he trains for his championship return to boxing. Some believe the upcoming election is the reason Pacquiao hasn't yet formally announced the fight, but it appears all parties have agreed to the terms.
Mario Barrios currently boasts a record of 29-2-1 with 18 KOs. His latest fight took place in November 2024, ending in a split draw with Abel Ramos. While Barrios has held the interim WBC title after defeating Yordenis Ugas in September 2023, he was promoted to a full champion when Terence Crawford vacated the title to move up to 154 pounds.
Barrios' only losses were against Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman. Assuming the higher age and recent inactivity don't play a significant role, many expect Barrios to be a heavy favorite over Pacquiao.
Keep an eye out for more updates on this explosive matchup in the coming weeks!
Manny Pacquiao, aged 46, will challenge Mario Barrios, the 29-year-old owner of a 147-pound belt, in a title fight scheduled for July 19. This comeback for Pacquiao is not just an exhibition in sports, but a title fight that's highly anticipated. The bout will take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
