Pacquiao, 46, to fight WBC champ Barrios in July return

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has officially announced his return to the ring at age 46, nearly four years after his last professional fight.

The Filipino icon will challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas. With this bout, Pacquiao hopes to reclaim the welterweight crown and become the oldest welterweight world champion in history.

“I’m back,” Pacquiao declared on social media. “Let’s make history.”

He already holds the record for being the oldest welterweight champion after defeating Keith Thurman in 2019 to win the WBA (Super) title at age 40.

The World Boxing Council (WBC) controversially reinstated Pacquiao into its welterweight rankings at number five just last week, fueling speculation about his return.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman defended the move, noting that Pacquiao had been licensed in Nevada and cleared all medical tests. “As a legendary WBC champion, he has been approved to fight by our organization,” Sulaiman stated.

Pacquiao last fought in August 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas by decision. With a career record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, he is a four-time welterweight champion and one of the most decorated boxers in history.

Since retiring, Pacquiao pursued a career in politics. However, he recently failed in his attempt to return to the Philippine Senate.