Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is set to make a sensational return to the ring at the age of 46, nearly four years after his retirement.
The Filipino icon has confirmed he will challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight world title in Las Vegas this July.
Pacquiao, who became world champion in eight different weight divisions during his illustrious career, last fought in September 2021.
Pacquiao announced his comeback on social media on Wednesday, declaring: "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!"
I’m back.
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) May 21, 2025
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! #TeamPacquiao 🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/KEscQEims0
The fight comes just under two months after Pacquiao's involvement in Filipino elections, where he recently announced defeat in his latest political bid.
Pacquiao has enjoyed a remarkable professional career, winning 62 of his 72 contests with 39 victories coming by knockout.
His last appearance in the ring ended in disappointment, suffering a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas which cost him his WBA title.
JUST IN: Fans fume as Sky Sports announces surprise decision for Premier League final day
Manny Pacquiao's most recent fight was against Yordenis Ugas
Getty
Throughout his career, Pacquiao has achieved the extraordinary feat of winning world championships across eight weight divisions, from flyweight all the way up to super welterweight.
Since his last fight, Pacquiao has focused primarily on his political career in the Philippines.
He served as a senator between 2016 and 2022, representing his home nation in government. Following his senatorial term, Pacquiao made an unsuccessful bid for the presidency.
READ MORE:Roy Keane launches scathing attack on Liverpool following 'classless' title win: 'Irritating me!'
His political ambitions appear to have taken a backseat once again, with the announcement of his boxing comeback coming shortly after he conceded defeat in his latest political endeavour last week.
Barrios, 30, presents a formidable challenge for the returning Pacquiao.
The current WBC welterweight champion retained his belt in a draw against Abel Ramos last November in Arlington, Texas.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Michael van Gerwen told his ‘race is run’ after passing unfortunate milestone
- Rory McIlroy makes feelings clear after signing up for Indian tournament worth £2.9million
- Five people found guilty of hate crime for racially abusing Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr
Mario Barrios retained his WBC welterweight belt against Adel Ramos in November
Getty
Notably, Barrios decisively defeated Yordenis Ugas when winning the WBC interim belt in 2023 – the same fighter who beat Pacquiao in his final bout before retirement.
With 29 wins from 32 professional contests, Barrios is widely considered a dangerous opponent for PacMan.
Despite being almost four years older since his last fight, Pacquiao has been handed a fifth-place ranking by the WBC, making him eligible to challenge for the championship belt.
This special ranking consideration allows the 46-year-old to bypass the usual qualifying process, setting up the intriguing title fight against Barrios despite Pacquiao's lengthy absence from professional boxing.
