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Philippines, 17 Jun 2025 |
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Stacked Card Unveiled for Manny Pacquiao’s Highly Anticipated Return By Dong Secuya PhilBoxing.com Sat, 31 May 2025  The stage is officially set for one of the most anticipated nights in boxing this year, as the full undercard has been announced for the legendary Manny Pacquiao’s comeback fight against WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios. Slated for July 19th at the iconic MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the event now boasts a powerhouse lineup of title bouts, rematches, and contender clashes that promise a thrilling evening from the opening bell to the main event. Co-Main Event: Fundora vs. Tszyu II – The Battle for Unified Glory In what many are calling a co-main event worthy of its own headlining status, Sebastian Fundora will put his WBC and WBO junior middleweight titles on the line against former champion Tim Tszyu in a high-stakes rematch with the undisputed crown at stake. Their first encounter, which took place in March last year, ended in controversy and frustration for Tszyu. In just the second round, Tszyu suffered a severe laceration from an accidental elbow that drastically altered the trajectory of the fight. Despite the blood streaming from his brow, Tszyu continued to battle courageously but ultimately lost a decision, ceding his WBO belt to the towering Fundora, who used his height, reach, and unorthodox style to seize the moment and claim victory. The rematch carries immense significance. Fundora, nicknamed “The Towering Inferno”, brings an unusual frame to the division—standing at over 6-foot-5—with the volume-punching of a lightweight. His wiry frame belies his punishing output and relentless pace. On the other side, Tszyu—the son of Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu—enters the ring with redemption on his mind. Known for his calculated aggression, sharp counterpunching, and steely resolve, Tszyu is determined to reclaim the titles he feels were unjustly taken from him under compromised conditions. Fans can expect a tactical war layered with emotion, physical intensity, and a desire from both fighters to cement their place atop the division. Feature Bouts on the Undercard: Fireworks in Featherweight and Lightweight Divisions Brandon Figueroa vs. Joet Gonzalez In what is being hailed as a fan-friendly matchup between two warriors who never take a step back, Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa returns to featherweight action against the ever-tough Joet Gonzalez. Figueroa, known for his ferocious body attacks and non-stop pressure, is riding high following a series of standout performances. Gonzalez, with his granite chin and technical craft, has fought the best in the division and remains one of its most battle-tested gatekeepers. This bout is expected to be a crowd-pleaser—a high-octane clash of styles between Figueroa’s swarming offense and Gonzalez’s composed resilience. With both men hovering near title contention, a victory here would inch them closer to a world championship shot in one of boxing’s most talent-rich divisions. Isaac Cruz vs. Jose Valenzuela Also confirmed is a high-stakes lightweight showdown between Mexican warriors Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela. Cruz, who rose to prominence with a fearless performance against Gervonta Davis, has since become a must-watch attraction thanks to his explosive style and seek-and-destroy approach. Valenzuela, representing David Benavidez’s camp, is a slick southpaw with pop in both hands and a chip on his shoulder. With the lightweight division currently one of boxing’s hottest weight classes—featuring names like Shakur Stevenson, Devin Haney, and Gervonta Davis—this bout carries significant implications. The winner may find himself knocking on the door of a title opportunity, while the loser could face a major career setback. Main Event Spotlight: Pacquiao’s Return to the Ring While the undercard alone would make this a marquee event, the return of Manny Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, is what makes July 19th truly historic. At 46 years old, Pacquiao defies time, stepping back into the squared circle to challenge WBC champion Mario Barrios, a young, rangy, and determined champion with everything to prove. Pacquiao’s comeback has reignited global interest, with fans eager to witness whether the Filipino icon still possesses the speed, power, and ring IQ that defined his legendary career. Barrios, meanwhile, sees this as a defining moment to take out a living legend and solidify his reign as champion. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.  |
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