Manny Pacquiao is about to throw palms once more.
The boxing legend is about to return to the ring on July 19 in Las Vegas, the place he’ll battle WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, in response to a report from ESPN. Pacquiao, 46, introduced his retirement from competitors in 2021.
Pacquiao (62-8-2) is but to make the announcement official, however ought to he battle once more, he’ll add to one of the spectacular legacies in fight sports activities historical past. The Filipino star received titles in eight divisions, competing all the best way from flyweight as much as gentle middleweight. In whole, Pacquiao received 12 titles within the ring.
His bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Could 2015 shattered field workplace information and he was concerned numerous memorable battles in opposition to the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Timothy Bradley, and Erik Morales.
Throughout his time away from skilled competitors, Pacquiao has been no stranger to headlines. He served as a senator within the Philippines from 2016-2022 and has lengthy been energetic in politics in his native nation (he’s at present pursuing a spot within the Senate once more). Sports activities-wise, he continued to take part in exhibition bouts, dealing with DK Yoo in South Korea in 2022 and Rukiya Anpo in Japan in 2024.
WBC president Mauricio Sulamain just lately instructed Boxing King Media that Pacquiao was cleared for a comeback with the expectation that Barrios, 29, can be his opponent.
Barrios (29-2-1) seeks the second protection of his WBC title because it was promoted to undisputed standing in 2024. He fought Abel Ramos to a cut up draw this previous November to retain the belt.
