Manny Pacquiao Confirms Return to Ring Against Mario Barrios on July 19
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 21 May 2025
The highly anticipated comeback of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has officially been confirmed. In a direct announcement via his Facebook account, the 46-year-old multi-division world champion declared his return to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao’s post, shared Wednesday (Philippine time), simply stated: “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!”
This social media confirmation solidifies weeks of speculation surrounding the boxing legend's potential return to the squared circle. Pacquiao, who last fought in August 2021, losing to Yordenis Ugas, will be coming out of a four-year retirement for this significant bout.
The decision to return has drawn both excitement and criticism, particularly given Pacquiao's age and the long layoff. However, the WBC recently defended its decision to rank him at No. 5 in the welterweight division, citing his "legendary status" and passing all medical examinations. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman had previously indicated that Pacquiao expressed a desire to retire as a WBC champion, an organization with which he shares a long and storied history.
Mario Barrios, the reigning WBC welterweight champion, enters the fight with a record of 29-2-1 (18 KOs). The 29-year-old American last fought in November, securing a split decision draw against Abel Ramos. Barrios will undoubtedly view this as the biggest fight of his career, a chance to etch his name into boxing history by defeating one of the sport's all-time greats.
Pacquiao recently arrived in Los Angeles, where he is expected to hold a formal press conference to elaborate on his comeback plans. He is also scheduled to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June, a monumental achievement that will precede his highly anticipated return to active competition.
The July 19 clash promises to be one of the most talked-about events of the boxing calendar, as fans eagerly await to see if the "PacMan" can defy the odds of age and inactivity to capture another world title.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
MILLER AND PERO CLASH IN HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN IN LAS VEGAS ON APRIL 25
Wed, 18 Mar 2026Middleweight Championship Battle Between (C) Khamzat Chimaev and (#3) Sean Strickland Headlines UFC® 328 at Prudential Center Live on Paramount+
Wed, 18 Mar 2026Sampson Lewkowicz & TM Boxing Sign Undefeated Mexican Prospect José Ángel Guerrero to Co-Promotional Deal
Wed, 18 Mar 202612-Time World Champion & Hall of Famer James Toney Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Wed, 18 Mar 2026Five stitches for Donaire’s cut
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 17 Mar 2026Roberto Gomez Training Camp Notes
Tue, 17 Mar 2026Esneth Domingo Trains at the Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles Ahead of His US Debut
Tue, 17 Mar 2026Tatay Digong Birthday Run on March 28
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 17 Mar 202612-0 prospect Marco Romero to headline This Friday in Independence, Missouri
Tue, 17 Mar 2026700 athletes on March 21-22 at UM
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 17 Mar 2026United States Earns Four Gold Medals on Final Day of 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup
Mon, 16 Mar 2026Mexico wins 2 bronze medals at World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 16 Mar 2026Arnold Barboza Jr. Shines in Welterweight Debut, Defeats Kenneth Sims Jr. to Claim Wbo Global Welterweight Title
Sun, 15 Mar 2026WBC top contender Canoy returns to Davao with Unanimous Decision Victory
Sun, 15 Mar 2026John Randall Peralta: The Future of the Philippine Chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 15 Mar 2026