Manny Pacquiao will return to the ring to face Mario Barrios in a WBC Welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on July 19, the boxer confirmed on Wednesday.
Pacquiao retired from boxing almost four years ago after a successful career involving 72 fights, boasting a record of 62–8–2, with 39 wins by knockout.
The 46-year-old, the only boxer to win world titles across eight divisions from flyweight to super welterweight, announced on Wednesday that he will come out of retirement to face 30-year-old American Barrios.
“I’m back,” Pacquiao wrote. “On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“Let’s make history!”
I’m back.
On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Let’s make history! #TeamPacquiao
pic.twitter.com/KEscQEims0
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) May 21, 2025
Pacquiao last fought on August 21, 2021, losing his WBA title in a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas at the T-Mobile Arena in Nevada.
Barrios, however, continues to hold on to his WBC welterweight belt after securing a draw against Abel Ramos last November in Arlington, Texas.
The American, who has won 29 of his 32 career bouts, dealt with Ugas when the two met for the WBC interim belt in 2023 and is tipped as the favourite to retain his belt against Pacquiao.
