Manny Pacquiao, 46, returns to the boxing ring to challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19. As critics raise concerns over age and fairness, Pacquiao eyes legacy and history in a high-stakes comeback.
Las Vegas — The boxing world is bracing for the return of Manny Pacquiao, who at 46 will fight for a world title four years after announcing his retirement. The eight-division champion and former Philippine senator is set to challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand.
The World Boxing Council has confirmed Pacquiao’s eligibility, ranking him fifth and sanctioning the bout. Nevada’s athletic commission has cleared him to compete, following routine licensing and medical evaluations.
“At this time, Mario Barrios is going to face Manny Pacquiao in July. That’s a tremendous fight,” said WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman in an interview with Boxing King Media.
Pacquiao’s last official bout was in August 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugás by unanimous decision. He later pivoted to politics and mounted an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2022. Since then, he has appeared in exhibition matches, most recently going the distance with Rukiya Anpo in July 2024.
Father and Son Moments From boy to boxer: Jimuel Pacquiao shares a proud moment with his father, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. Jimuel is now preparing for his professional debut—carrying forward a legacy shaped by discipline, heart, and family.
A Comeback Against a Dangerous Opponent
Barrios, 29, carries a record of 29 wins and 2 losses and has held titles in both the junior welterweight and welterweight divisions. He recently claimed the WBC title with a commanding performance against Ugás and was elevated to full champion earlier this year.
Amir Khan, a former world champion who previously sparred with Barrios under trainer Virgil Hunter, acknowledged the matchup’s complexity. “He’s a very good boxer,” Khan told Sky Sports. “I don’t know how much Manny’s got left in him… this could be a tricky fight for Pacquiao.”
Khan added, “He’s been out of the ring for a long time, and has he still got the fire in his belly? Barrios, I’m sure he’s going to come in wanting to win this fight because it can change his life.”
Criticism Over Title Shot
Not all reactions have been celebratory. Spencer Oliver, a former European champion and boxing analyst, voiced strong opposition to Pacquiao’s immediate return to the title scene.
“Pacquiao looked a shell of his former self in his last fight against Ugás,” Oliver said on TalkSport. “The biggest disgrace of this is that the WBC are sanctioning the fight for a world title… He’s been retired for four years. It’s wrong in so many ways.”
Oliver emphasized that while Pacquiao’s legacy is secure, bypassing active contenders for a title shot raises fairness concerns in the sport.
Expert Analysis: Style and Age
Andreas Hale of ESPN has written that Pacquiao’s trademark attributes—speed, awkward angles, and relentless motion—were central to his dominance in the ring. However, Hale expressed concern that such a style, dependent on reflexes and timing, may not be sustainable for a fighter in his mid-40s.
Recent training footage from Wild Card Gym has drawn mixed reactions. While Pacquiao’s hand speed remains sharp, some fans noted signs of fatigue and diminished footwork. He is once again training under the guidance of longtime coach Freddie Roach.
A Family Affair on Fight Night
On the same night Manny Pacquiao makes his comeback at 46, his son Jimuel steps into the ring for his professional debut—two generations, one legacy, sharing the spotlight in a history-making moment.
Adding a personal touch to the July 19 card, Pacquiao’s eldest son, Emmanuel Jr., is scheduled to make his professional debut in the super lightweight division. Also training with Roach, the younger Pacquiao’s appearance further builds the emotional weight of the night.
Legacy on the Line
This comeback follows Pacquiao’s recent election to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, with his induction scheduled for June. A win would make him the second-oldest world champion in boxing history, behind Bernard Hopkins, who won a title at 49.
As the world watches, the question remains: Will the legend rise again—or is this one last round with time itself?
