46-year-old former six-division world champion Manny Pacquiao (Philippines), with a record of 62 wins (39 KOs), 8 losses, and 2 draws, announced his ring comeback on his social media.
He stated, “On July 19 (July 20 Japan time), I will return to the ring at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas to face WBC World Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios. Let’s make history.” The official announcement of the bout is expected soon.
Plans for a fight between Pacquiao and Barrios had already been in motion last September, and WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán had decided to sanction it as a world title match, but the bout ultimately did not materialize.
Pacquiao last fought in August 2021 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where he challenged WBA Super World Welterweight Champion Yordenis Ugas (Cuba) and lost by decision. He then announced his retirement from boxing, revealing his intention to run for president of the Philippines.
After first being elected to the Philippine House of Representatives in 2010 and serving two terms, Pacquiao was elected to the Senate in 2016, finishing seventh in the vote. However, in the presidential election held in May 2022, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. won with around 31.62 million votes. Pacquiao placed third, securing only about 3.66 million votes, which amounted to 6.81% of the total.
Last year, Pacquiao declared his intention to participate in the Paris Olympics and applied for a special entry through the Philippine boxing commission. However, the International Olympic Committee rejected the application due to his age—45 at the time.
Burdened with financial obligations including unpaid taxes in the U.S. and an $8 million (approximately ¥1.253 billion) court-ordered payment to Paradigm Sports Management over a breach of contract lawsuit he lost, Pacquiao is under pressure to generate income.
Rumors of a potential Barrios fight persisted into this year. Pacquiao had initially stated that he would prioritize regaining a seat in the Senate and would consider returning to the ring after the election results on May 12.
However, he was unsuccessful in the election and failed to win a Senate seat.
Pacquiao announced his return to the ring as if it had been the plan all along. This week, he began training in Los Angeles, California, at the Wild Card Gym under longtime trainer Freddie Roach.
Joining him in the gym is his son, Jimuel Pacquiao.
A professional debut for 24-year-old Jimuel is also being planned for the undercard of the historic event where his 46-year-old father Manny will challenge Barrios in an attempt to make history. Jimuel began his amateur career in 2022 and has since compiled a record of 6 wins and 4 losses.
This historic event—where both father and son will compete on the same day—has drawn significant attention. All eyes will be on whether both Pacquiaos can emerge victorious.
With unpaid taxes in the United States and a court loss in a lawsuit filed by his management company over a breach of contract—resulting in a payment obligation of over $8 million (approximately ¥1.253 billion)—is Pacquiao fighting again because of this? Is it impossible for him to repay the debt otherwise?
This article has been translated and published with permission from BOXING MASTER.
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