‘I’m back’: Manny Pacquiao to challenge Mario Barrios for world title

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Filipino boxing great Manny Pacquiao comes out of retirement as he tangles with Mexican champion Mario Barrios, a fighter who is 16 years younger

MANILA, Philippines – Four years since his retirement, Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is making a ring comeback.

Pacquiao on Wednesday, May 21, announced that he will challenge for the World Boxing Council welterweight belt currently held by Mexican champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, United States.

“I’m back,” Pacquiao wrote on his social media accounts. “Let’s make history!”

Now 46 years old, Pacquiao can eclipse his own record as the oldest welterweight champion — a feat he achieved when he beat American Keith Thurman for the World Boxing Association (Super) title at the age of 40 in July 2019.

Stripped of the belt due to inactivity, Pacquiao contented for the title against then-champion Yordenis Ugas of Cuba in August 2021 but suffered a unanimous decision loss in what ended up as the last fight of his professional career.

Pacquiao retired months later in September 2021 as he sought the presidency.

Despite retiring, Pacquiao has fought in exhibition bouts, beating former WBA super bantamweight champion Jesus Salud and Korean martial artist DK Yoo then drawing with Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo.

Toting a 62-8-2 win-loss-draw record (39 knockouts), Pacquiao faces a tall order against an in-form Barrios who is 16 years younger.

Barrios holds a 29-2-1 record (18 knockouts), with his last fight ending in a split draw against Abel Ramos that allowed him to retain the WBC crown. – Rappler.com