Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has officially announced his return to the ring at age 46 to challenge American fighter Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship.
“I’m back,” Pacquiao posted on social media, confirming earlier reports that he is set to face Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“Let’s make history!”
The Filipino legend, who has claimed 12 world titles across eight weight divisions, last fought in August 2021, when he lost by unanimous decision to Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas in a bout for the WBA welterweight title.
On the third day of his training camp at Pan-Pacific Park in Los Angeles, Manny Pacquiao was joined by a special guest—his 24-year-old son Jimuel, who is expected to make his professional debut on the undercard of his father’s highly anticipated comeback fight.
Pacquiao shared that his initial focus in training is shedding excess fat that slows him down, before working to rebuild the muscle and power that defined his legendary career.
Jimuel admitted he had concerns when his father first announced his return to the ring after a four-year hiatus. But watching Pacquiao train up close gave him a renewed sense of confidence. “It felt like he turned back the clock,” he said.
During the session, the elder Pacquiao took time to mentor his son—demonstrating key fundamentals like footwork, head movement, and setting up combinations. He explained that he was beginning to “download” his boxing knowledge to Jimuel, making sure not to overload him with too much at once.
Observing quietly from ringside was Pacquiao’s wife, Jinkee, who stood at the edge of the ring for nearly the entire training session.
Manny Pacquiao is set to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
To gear up for the bout, the Filipino boxing legend has reunited with longtime trainer Freddie Roach and trusted cornerman Buboy Fernandez, aiming to recapture the form that made him an icon in the ring.
Under WBC regulations, a former champion like Pacquiao is allowed to request a title shot upon coming out of retirement — a rule that paves the way for his comeback.
Pacquiao enters the fight with an impressive career record of 62 wins, 8 losses, 2 draws, and 39 knockouts. Since stepping away from boxing in 2021, he has remained active in public life, including an unsuccessful run for the Philippine presidency.
Mario Barrios holds a professional record of 29 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw, and 18 knockouts. He retained his WBC welterweight title last November after a draw against fellow American Abel Ramos.