Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39KO) is set to make a shocking return to the ring in a WBC welterweight world title bout against champion Mario Barrios (29-2-1, 19KO), according to WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán.
‘Pac-Man’ last fought in August 2021, suffering a unanimous decision loss to Cuban Yordenis Ugas over twelve rounds, the same fighter Mario Barrios defeated in 2023 over the championship distance to claim the interim welterweight title, before being elevated to full champion in June 2024.
El Azteca’ has fought twice since claiming the interim title, most recently defending his WBC belt for the first time in a split decision draw against Abel Ramos in Texas.
Having already cemented a legendary career as the only boxer to win world titles in eight weight divisions across four decades, many are now questioning why the Filipino icon has chosen to lace up the gloves once again at the age of 46, after four years out of the ring and what appeared to be a permanent shift in focus to politics.
Mauricio Sulaimàn Confirms Manny Pacquiao Return
WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán confirmed Pacquiao’s return during a press conference held ahead of this Saturday’s undisputed title clash between Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez and William Scull.
Speaking to Boxing King Media he said: “At this time Mario Barrios is going to fight Manny Pacquiao, that is a tremendous fight. He (Pacquiao) wants to retire as WBC champion so he’s fighting in the welterweight division.”
Pacquiao’s comeback bout is set to take place in July, and if victorious, he would once again etch his name in the history books as a WBC world champion, a belt he has held in multiple divisions throughout his illustrious career.
A win for Barrios, albeit against a fighter well past his prime, would still add a marquee name to his résumé and could set the stage for a potential clash with British welterweight Conor Benn, especially if a rematch with Chris Eubank Jr fails to materialize.
