4 years after his final struggle resulted in a disappointing loss, the legendary Manny Pacquiao is again within the ring and difficult for an additional world title.
The 46-year-old will face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on Saturday – however questions stay as as to if Pacquiao, extensively considered probably the greatest boxers in historical past, can mount a severe problem at such a sophisticated age.
Right here’s what you have to know concerning the residing legend’s boxing comeback towards Barrios:
Why is Pacquiao making a comeback?
Pacquiao, a Corridor of Famer boxer, shrugged off considerations about his comeback and says he understands the dangers of reentering the ring towards a competitor like Barrios: A person 16 years his junior, 16cm (6.3in) taller, and the two-time reigning WBC welterweight title holder on the peak of his powers.
“I’m coming again as a result of boxing is my ardour,” Pacquiao stated in an interview with ESPN. “It’s all I take into consideration, and I actually wish to make historical past.”
The Filipino icon says this isn’t a one-off struggle however quite a primary step in an prolonged return to boxing. Pacquiao claims his motivation to struggle once more is primarily about preserving his aggressive legacy quite than cash.
“I’m fearful for my fame,” Pacquiao stated in an interview with the BBC. “However I’m ensuring that I’m not a form of fighter like different fighters that come again however they don’t seem to be displaying what they did earlier than.”
What’s at stake for Pacquiao
A loss for Pacquiao towards Barrios would seemingly be the ultimate nail within the coffin of a superlative boxing profession.
A win can be a thirteenth world championship for the charismatic fighter and add to his already stellar boxing resume.
Broader medical considerations over middle-aged boxers reentering the ring, particularly after a protracted lay-off, have been raised, though medical checks had been made on the fighters within the lead-up to the bout.
What’s the date and begin time for Pacquiao vs Barrios?
The struggle is scheduled for Saturday, July 19.
Pacquiao and Barrios are anticipated to undertake their ring walks at 8pm (03:00 GMT on Sunday). The struggle will start shortly thereafter.
The primary undercard begins at 5pm (00:00 GMT on Sunday).
The place is the struggle being held?
Pacquiao vs Barrios will happen at MGM Grand Backyard Area in Las Vegas.
The venue can host greater than 16,000 spectators, making it one of many largest boxing venues in the US.
Who’s the favorite?
The American is the clear bookmakers’ favorite to retain his world championship title.
“In so lots of my fights I used to be the underdog, and I shocked them… Manny all the time brings surprises,” Pacquiao stated.
Profession file: Pacquiao
The Filipino residing legend has received 12 main world championships.
He’s the one competitor to win world titles in eight completely different weight divisions, greater than every other boxer in historical past.
His longevity within the sport is equally legendary as the one fighter to seize or retain world titles throughout 4 completely different a long time: The Nineteen Nineties, 2000s, 2010s and 2020s.
In June, Pacquiao was inducted into the Worldwide Boxing Corridor of Fame, changing into the third Filipino boxer to obtain the honour.
What’s Pacquiao’s struggle file?
Pacquiao’s final skilled struggle was a choice loss towards Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugas in 2021 for the WBA world welterweight championship.
His final skilled win was six years in the past towards Keith Thurman, when he turned the oldest welterweight champion in historical past.
- Fights: 72
- Wins: 62
- Wins by KO: 39
- Losses: 8
- Attracts: 2
What’s Barrios’ struggle file?
The 30-year-old American can be defending the WBC title for the second time.
His final struggle was a cut up draw choice towards Abel Ramos on November 15.
- Fights: 32
- Wins: 29
- Wins by KO: 18
- Losses: 2
- Attracts: 1
What has Pacquiao said about the fight?
Pacquiao, who turns 47 in December, feels rejuvenated after four years away from the ring and said he was returning for another opportunity to make history.
“I’m enjoying training camp as much as I did when I was 26 or 29 years old. The motivation to train hard and the discipline are the same,” Pacquiao said at Wednesday’s news conference.
“I mean, it’s because I’ve been away from boxing why I’m still interested and passionate about fighting.
“I cannot imagine that I am still fighting here in the Grand Arena after 24 years. It’s a blessing, a favour from God, and I’m so thankful to be here, still fighting and putting on a good show for the fans,” he said.
What has Barrios stated concerning the struggle?
“Manny has been doing this his complete life and understands what it takes to go in there,” Barrios stated. “And he’s making an attempt to be nice. He’s making an attempt to do one thing, preventing for a title at his age – and as a fighter, I’ve nothing however respect for that.
“You understand, Manny is a really likeable individual. I can’t consider something unhealthy to say about him apart from, you already know, he’s dealing with me for my title.
“On the finish of the day, he’s simply one other man in there. He’s one other opponent making an attempt to take my title, no matter every part he’s completed and given to the game,” Barrios added on Wednesday.
What’s the struggle prize cash?
The prize cash has not been disclosed.
It has been reported that Pacquiao will make as much as $5m for this bout – in step with comparable funds in his final two fights – with Barrios incomes as much as $1m.
Who’s on the undercard?
- Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios: WBC welterweight title
- Sebastian Fundora vs Tim Tszyu: WBC tremendous welterweight championship
- Isaac Cruz vs Angel Fierro: Tremendous light-weight
- Brandon Figueroa vs Joet Gonzalez: Featherweight
- Gary Russell Jr vs Hugo Castaneda: Tremendous featherweight
IT’S FIGHT WEEK! #PacquiaoBarrios | July 19 | PBC PPV on @PrimeVideo pic.twitter.com/m49gXGaJfh
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) July 14, 2025
How one can watch?
This complete struggle card can be out there reside on Prime Video pay-per-view.
