Manny Pacquiao, the legendary eight-division world champion, is stepping back into the ring at 46 years old. His last fight, a 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugas, left many questioning if the aging fighter still possessed the explosiveness and agility that defined his career. But Pacquiao, never one to shy away from a challenge, is aiming for a historic victory against Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title on July 19th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
This isn’t just any fight; a win would etch Pacquiao’s name even further into boxing history. He would become the first International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee to win a world title after his induction, and the oldest welterweight champion ever, surpassing his own previous record set against Keith Thurman. Pacquiao himself readily admits his motivation: “I like making history. It’s nice.” He plans to accomplish this with a return to his old form, under the guidance of his longtime trainer, Freddie Roach.
Pacquiao’s journey back to the ring has been a long one. Over the past four years, he’s navigated a failed presidential bid, a senatorial run in the Philippines (placing 18th in the 2025 election), and even a couple of exhibition bouts. However, the allure of a world title fight, made possible by a WBC rule allowing retired former champions a shot at the belt, proved too strong to resist. He insists he’s in peak condition, having undergone medical checks that confirmed his fitness and reignited his passion for the sport.
He attributes his lackluster performance against Ugas to errors in his training regime, saying, “I trained wrong for that fight.” He promises a return to the explosive, unpredictable style that made him a fan favorite: “The old Manny will be back.” This comeback fight isn’t just about records; it’s a testament to Pacquiao’s unwavering dedication and competitive spirit.
The question remains: is this a final hurrah, or just another chapter in his extraordinary career? Pacquiao remains coy, stating, “It’s hard to say right now. It’s one fight at a time.” Regardless of the outcome, Pacquiao’s July return is shaping up to be one of the most captivating boxing events of the year, a testament to the enduring legend of ‘Pac-Man.’
