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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Boxing devider Pacquiao makes it official, announces July title fight vs Mario Barrios

Pacquiao makes it official, announces July title fight vs Mario Barrios

Published May 21, 2025 09:10 pm

At A Glance

  • In a post on his official social media accounts, the only eight division world champion has formally announced his return to the ring with a fight  against World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has finally made things officials.

In a post on his official social media accounts, the only eight-division world champion has formally announced his return to the ring with a fight  against World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The Pacquiao-Barrios showdown has been making headlines the past few weeks ever since WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman first revealed Pacquiao’s comeback plans early in the month although it was only on Wednesday, May 21, that it was truly confirmed that 46-year-old great is fighting again.

“I’m back,” said in his post which immediately generated reaction from Filipino and boxing fans alike.

“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!,” the post added.

Pacquiao, who has been installed as WBC’s No. 5 ranked fighter in the welterweight division ahead of the clash and despite being inactive for four years, is walking into his 73rd professional fight with a 62-8-2 record with 39 KOs.

Barrios, though, is no easy opponent as he is still at the peak of his powers at 30 years old and poses a serious threat against the much-older Pacquiao. 

The American champion boasts a 29-2-1 record with 18 KOs and was actually on a three-fight win streak before the surprising split draw decision in his last bout against Abel Ramos last year.

Pacquiao, on the other hand, last fought professionally back in 2021 when he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas. 

Incidentally, Ugas was defeated by Barrios via unanimous decision in September 2023 to claim the welterweight belt. The American pugilist sent Ugas down twice – first in the second round and the last in the 12th frame.

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