Pacquiao announces boxing return, will fight Barrios for WBC title

Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) announced his return to the ring at age 46.

Pacquiao will face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) on July 19 in Las Vegas.

He is aiming to become the boxing oldest welterweight champion.

“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!” – Pacquiao wrote on social media.

Pacquiao currently holds the record for the oldest welterweight champion, when he beat Keith Thurman in 2019 to claim the WBA (Super) world title aged 40.

The WBC reinstated Pacquiao into their rankings at number five last week as speculation about his return mounted.

The WBC president Mauricio Suliman defended the decision, saying: “Pacquiao has been licensed by Nevada and passed all medicals and as legendary WBC champion has been approved to fight by our organisation.”

Pacquiao last fought in August 2021, when he lost on points to Yordenis Ugas.

He is the only boxer to win a world title in eight divisions.