WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman recently revealed to the media that 46-year-old former six-division world champion Manny Pacquiao (Philippines) — with a record of 62 wins (39 KOs), 8 losses, and 2 draws — is planning a return to the ring to challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios (USA), who holds a record of 29 wins (18 KOs), 2 losses, and 1 draw. Following that announcement, it was reported that Premier Boxing Champions had reserved the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for July 19 (July 20 Japan time).
Today, ESPN officially reported that the Pacquiao vs. Barrios fight has been finalized.
Pacquiao, now 46, last fought on August 21, 2021 (August 22 Japan time) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where he challenged Yordenis Ugas (Cuba) for the WBA Super World Welterweight title but lost by unanimous decision after 12 rounds. This comeback marks his return to the ring after nearly 3 years and 11 months.
Pacquiao has already obtained a boxing license from the Nevada State Athletic Commission, and under WBC rules, a former champion returning from retirement is eligible to challenge for a title. Therefore, there are no issues with his bout against Barrios. The fight will be streamed via Prime Video PPV.
Currently, Pacquiao is in the midst of an election campaign aiming to reclaim his Senate seat, which he vacated in 2022. The election is scheduled for May 12.
Additionally, Pacquiao will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 8 (June 9 Japan time) in Canastota, New York. He will be the fourth Filipino to receive this honor, following former world flyweight champion Pancho Villa, former super featherweight 10-time defending champion Flash Elorde, and promoter Lope Sarreal.
Although Pacquiao continued training even after retirement, this will be his first bout in nearly four years — and it’s a world title fight. “I made history by defeating Keith Thurman at 40. I want to make history again at 45,” Pacquiao said. However, a tough battle is expected.
Even at 45, I truly believe Pacquiao has a great chance to create another miracle!
This article has been translated and published with permission from BOXING MASTER.
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