Manny Pacquiao is gearing up for a return to the ring after announcing that he is coming out of retirement to fight Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight crown on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“I’m back. 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!” Pacquiao said in social media posts.
Pacquiao's team had earlier announced that the Filipino legend is planning to make a comeback after conceding defeat in a bid for another seat in the Philippines Senate.
“His comeback aligns with his scheduled induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June, capping a storied sports legacy that continues to inspire millions of Filipino people,” an earlier statement said.
The 46-year-old has not fought since losing on points to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021.
Pacquiao has already shared footage of him working with his long-time trainer Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles.
His eldest son, Manny Pacquiao Jr, 24, has also been working with Roach and is expected to make his professional debut on the undercard.
July 19 will be the summer’s biggest night of boxing with the rematch between Tim Tszyu and Sebastian Fundora slated to be the co-main at the MGM Grand, and the event coming on the same day as Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight title defence against Daniel Dubois in London.
In an earlier statement, Pacquiao promised to continue serving his country despite losing in the midterm elections.
“I may not have won in my run for the Senate, but I am totally grateful for each vote, each prayer and support,” Pacquiao said.
“The fight continues. Service continues. For God. For the country. For each Filipino.”
Pacquiao previously served as a senator from 2016-22. He then made a bid for the presidency in the 2022 elections but failed.
A world champion in eight divisions from flyweight to super welterweight, Pacquiao appeared to end a 26-year career in 2021 with a record of 62-8-2 (39 KO's).
Barrios retained the WBC welterweight belt with a draw against Abel Ramos last November in Arlington, Texas.
Those close to the Pacquiao camp had said that the boxing great believes he still has a few years left in him.
“Manny feels good and that he still has it in him to compete at that level. He feels he can still fight two or three more times, this year, next year and maybe even into 2027,” a source close to Pacquiao told The National.
