Manny Pacquiao returns to challenge Mario Barrios for WBC welterweight title on July 19

Manny Pacquiao confirmed at this time on social media that he plans to return out of retirement to problem Mario Barrios for his WBC welterweight title on July nineteenth on the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The 46-year-old Pacquiao desires to change into world champion once more.

The backlash of Pacquiao getting an instantaneous title shot after 4 years of inactivity has been large. Followers don’t like the concept of the Filipino star being inserted on the #5 spot by the WBC, and getting a title shot in his first struggle since 2021.

Pacquiao’s Return

Followers suspect he’s returning for the cash, seeing that the older shopworn fighters are making absurd quantities of dough for his or her fights. Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are examples of that.

Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) is seen as a paper champion at 147 by many followers. So, Manny (62-8-2, 39 KOs) has chosen the right belt holder for him to try to win a belt in his comeback. Pacquiao’s outdated promoter, Bob Arum, doesn’t assume it’s a good suggestion for him to struggle at his age, and he’s involved about the potential for him getting harm.

Pacquiao’s former opponent, Tim Bradley, says Mario Barrios may “End” him, sending him again into retirement. He doesn’t assume Manny can cope with the a lot youthful, able-bodied 29-year-old Barrios at his age.

Even when Pacquiao does win, how a lot credit score will he obtain for beating Barrios? It gained’t be as a lot as he or his followers assume it’s going to. Barrios arguably misplaced his final struggle towards fringe contender Abel Ramos final November in Arlington, Texas. The struggle was scored as a 12-round draw, however many boxing followers had Ramos profitable, together with me.

Barrios’ previous defeats have come towards Keith Thurman and light-weight Gervonta Davis. Thurman had been out of the ring for over 2 years when he fought Barrios.

I’m again.

On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios on the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Let’s make historical past! #TeamPacquiao 🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/KEscQEims0

— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) Could 21, 2025