Manny Pacquiao is dusting off the gloves for one more championship night. The eight‑division icon will reportedly challenge WBC welterweight title‑holder Mario “El Azteca” Barrios on 19 July in Las Vegas, ending a near four‑year retirement that began after his 2021 points loss to Yordenis Ugas. Pacquiao turns 47 in December; Barrios is 29 and is coming of a loss against Keith Thurman. The bout will headline a PBC on Prime Video pay‑per‑view.
Pacquiao is unranked at 147 lb, but WBC bylaws let former champions jump the queue. Supporters welcome the Filipino senator’s star power and note that Barrios is considered the division’s “weakest link,” making the risk calculable. Detractors counter that an ageing legend parachuting straight into a title shot cheapens hard‑earned rankings and could prove dangerous given Pacquiao’s flat showing against Ugas.
Watch Pacquiao's legendary highlights reel: Watch
At 46, Pacquiao will try to secure his first win since 2019 while conceding 17 years to the champion. Critics recall how cramps and ring‑rust hampered him against Ugas and fear a repeat versus Barrios, whose 5‑ft‑10 frame and booming body shots may test the veteran’s reflexes and chin early. Nevada regulators have reportedly cleared Pacquiao, but ringside physicians will be under scrutiny should the fight turn one‑sided.
Why return now? Some speculate Pacquiao’s political career and charitable commitments have thinned the fortune he banked from the 2015 Mayweather megafight. Others believe he simply wants to retire as an active champion, the only accolade missing from a résumé that already secured his Hall‑of‑Fame induction last December. Whatever the motive, the bout guarantees box‑office buzz.
Image Credit: X