By REYNALD MAGALLON
Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has finally made things official.
In a post on his official social media accounts, the only eight division world champion has formally announced his return to the ring with a fight against World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The Pacquiao-Barrios showdown had been making headlines the past few weeks ever since WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman first revealed Pacquiao’s comeback plans early in the month although it was only on Wednesday, May 21 that it was truly confirmed that 46-year-old great is making his comeback.
“I’m back,” said Pacquiao in a post which immediately generated reactions from Filipino and boxing fans alike.
“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!,” the post added.
Pacquiao, who has been installed as WBC’s No.5 ranked fighter in the welterweight division ahead of the clash and despite being inactive for four years, is walking into his 73rd professional fight with a 62-8-2 record with 39 KOs.
Barrios, though, is no easy opponent as he is still at the peak of his powers at 30-years-old and poses a serious threat against the much-older Pacquiao.
The American champion boasts a 29-2-1 record with 18KOs and was actually on a three-fight win streak before the surprising split draw decision in his last bout against Abel Ramos last year.
Pacquiao, on the other hand, last fought professionally back in 2021 when he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas.
Incidentally, Ugas was defeated by Barrios via unanimous decision in September 2023 to claim the welterweight belt. The American pugilist sent Ugas down twice – first in the second round and the last in the 12th frame.
