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Philippines, 15 Feb 2026 |
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Manny Pacquiao Confirms Return to Ring Against Mario Barrios on July 19 By Dong Secuya PhilBoxing.com Wed, 21 May 2025  The highly anticipated comeback of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has officially been confirmed. In a direct announcement via his Facebook account, the 46-year-old multi-division world champion declared his return to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Pacquiao’s post, shared Wednesday (Philippine time), simply stated: “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!” This social media confirmation solidifies weeks of speculation surrounding the boxing legend's potential return to the squared circle. Pacquiao, who last fought in August 2021, losing to Yordenis Ugas, will be coming out of a four-year retirement for this significant bout. The decision to return has drawn both excitement and criticism, particularly given Pacquiao's age and the long layoff. However, the WBC recently defended its decision to rank him at No. 5 in the welterweight division, citing his "legendary status" and passing all medical examinations. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman had previously indicated that Pacquiao expressed a desire to retire as a WBC champion, an organization with which he shares a long and storied history.  Mario Barrios, the reigning WBC welterweight champion, enters the fight with a record of 29-2-1 (18 KOs). The 29-year-old American last fought in November, securing a split decision draw against Abel Ramos. Barrios will undoubtedly view this as the biggest fight of his career, a chance to etch his name into boxing history by defeating one of the sport's all-time greats. Pacquiao recently arrived in Los Angeles, where he is expected to hold a formal press conference to elaborate on his comeback plans. He is also scheduled to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June, a monumental achievement that will precede his highly anticipated return to active competition. The July 19 clash promises to be one of the most talked-about events of the boxing calendar, as fans eagerly await to see if the "PacMan" can defy the odds of age and inactivity to capture another world title. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.  |
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