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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Boxing devider Pacquiao arrives in LA for ring comeback announcement

Pacquiao arrives in LA for ring comeback announcement

Published May 19, 2025 02:51 pm

At A Glance

  • Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao arrived in Los Angeles on Monday, May 19, for a scheduled press conference where he is expected to announce his big return to the boxing ring.
Manny Pacquiao (Jhay Otamias)
Manny Pacquiao (Jhay Otamias)

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao arrived in Los Angeles on Monday, May 19, for a scheduled press conference where he is expected to announce his big return to the boxing ring.

Now 46 years old, the only eight division world champion is reportedly making his comeback – four years since he announced his retirement – to challenge World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

Pacquiao, who was joined by his team led by long-time trainer Buboy Fernandez as well as his wife Jinkee and son Jimuel, is expected to formally announce himself his upcoming fight scheduled in July in a yet to be revealed venue in Las Vegas.

“We can train hard for this fight. Very important fight,” Fernandez told members of the media upon Team Pacquiao’s arrival.

For one, Pacquiao, if he manages to pull off a stunner against the younger, 30-year-old, and taller, 5-foot-9, Barrios, could be the oldest welterweight champion.

Easier said than done, however, especially with Pacquiao’s last professional fight was still way back in 2021 when he dropped a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas. 

He had some exhibition fights with Korean vlogger DK Yoo and Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo but Pacquiao’s focus has been on his political career as he even ran – and lost – for a senate seat in the recently concluded midterm elections.

Videos which showed Pacquiao sweating it out on the mitts, however, made rounds online and seemingly convinced some that the fight could be more entertaining than how it is being perceived.

Pacquiao is expected to return to the country after the announcement to begin his training camp before going back to the states by June for his Hall of Fame induction.

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