Pacquiao Falls Short in Senate Bid, Eyes WBC Title in Stunning Boxing Comeback
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 13 May 2025
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao’s political ambitions hit a roadblock as he fails to secure a Senate seat, but the 46-year-old icon is already pivoting back to the ring, targeting a world championship in a stunning comeback.
Manny Pacquiao, the former eight-division world boxing champion and Philippine senator (2016–2022), suffered a major setback in his political career after failing to win re-election in the 2025 Senate race. Election results showed Pacquiao landing in 18th place out of 66 senatorial candidates, well outside the "Magic 12" needed to secure a seat.
This loss comes after a tumultuous political journey that saw Pacquiao transition from a beloved sports hero to a polarizing political figure. During his previous Senate term, he championed poverty alleviation and sports development but also faced criticism for his conservative stances on social issues. His presidential bid in 2022 also ended unsuccessfully, and this latest defeat raises questions about his future in politics.
Pacquiao casts his vote at his hometown in General Santos City during yesterday's Philippine elections.
Despite the political disappointment, Pacquiao is shifting focus back to boxing, where he remains a global superstar. Reports indicate that the 46-year-old legend will challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas. The fight will be a pay-per-view event broadcast via PBC on Prime Video, marking Pacquiao’s first major bout since his retirement in 2021.
The WBC has ranked Pacquiao as No. 5 welterweight contender in its latest May 12, 2025 rankings, indicating that work is going on behind the scenes before the eventual announcement of the fight.
Pacquiao’s last fight was a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugás in August 2021, after which he retired to focus on politics. However, the fire to compete never fully extinguished, and he has been doing light training for his return.
Incidentally, Pacquiao is set to receive boxing’s highest honor when he is formally inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame during ceremonies held from June 5–8 in Canastota, New York. A first-ballot inductee, Pacquiao will join an elite group of boxing legends enshrined by the prestigious institution.
46-year-old Pacquiao is set to face 29-year-old Barrios in July.
Can Pacquiao defy age and capture another title? At 46, Pacquiao faces significant challenges—ring rust, younger opponents, and the physical demands of elite boxing. Mario Barrios, 29, is a dangerous champion with power and speed, making this a high-risk, high-reward fight for Pacquiao.
Yet, Pacquiao has defied odds before. His last world title win came in 2019 when he defeated Keith Thurman to claim the WBA welterweight crown. If he dethrones Barrios, he will reset his own record as the oldest welterweight champion in boxing history, surpassing the record he established when he defeated Thurman at age 40.
A Pacquiao victory could open doors to big-money fights against current stars like Terence Crawford or Errol Spence Jr., while a loss may finally signal the end of his legendary career. Either way, Pacquiao’s return guarantees fireworks, proving once again that his fighting spirit remains unbroken—whether in politics or in the ring.
Will Pacquiao’s boxing comeback redeem his political fall? Or is this the final chapter of an unforgettable career? The world will be watching on July 19.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
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