The Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao, the only boxer in history to win world championships in eight weight divisions, will return to the ring on July 19 in Las Vegas to face the American Mario Barrios, current WBC welterweight champion. In his last official fight, in August 2021, Pacquiao was defeated by unanimous decision by Cuban Yordenis Ugás in a bout for the WBA welterweight title, and shortly after announced his retirement from boxing. Until then, he accumulated 62 wins (39 by knockout) and faced elite figures, becoming one of the most outstanding references in world boxing. After hanging up his gloves, Pacquiao dedicated several years to politics in the Philippines: he was a senator from 2016 to 2022 and ran for president of his country in 2022.
During that period, Pacquiao also focused efforts on social and philanthropic activities. For example, he donated funds for charitable projects in his home country, such as building hundreds of homes for disadvantaged families. However, recently the fighter made it clear that his return to boxing is not a passing experiment: in a press conference, he stated that “he has returned to boxing to stay” and that this comeback goes beyond a farewell fight. With those words, the Filipino emphasizes that his motivation is to return to serious competition.
Career and return to the ring
The career of Pacquiao is exceptional for his sporting achievements. He became world champion in eight different divisions, from flyweight to super welterweight, an unprecedented record. With a professional record of 62-8-2 (39 knockouts), he participated in iconic fights that defined the modern era of boxing; his fast combinations of punches and knockout power earned him world fame. These achievements earned him recognitions such as his induction into the Boxing Hall of Fame (Class of 2025) and the honorary title of one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of his era.
Today, at 46 years old, he returns to the ring to challenge the American Mario “El Azteca” Barrios, 30, in a fight for the WBC welterweight title. Both fighters recognize the magnitude of the challenge: Barrios stated that beating a legend like Pacquiao would be “huge” for his career, while the Filipino stressed that this fight “will not be a one-time event.” Pacquiao also confessed that he “missed boxing” during his retirement, making it clear that his return is motivated by genuine reasons beyond an isolated bout.
