Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is reportedly coming out of retirement after almost four years to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title on July 19 in Las Vegas, according to sources who spoke with ESPN on Thursday.
The event is scheduled to be broadcast on PBC on Prime Video pay-per-view.
The 46-year-old Pacquiao`s last bout was in August 2021, a unanimous decision defeat to Yordenis Ugas for the WBA welterweight title. Following that loss, Pacquiao declared his retirement via social media to prioritize his political endeavors. However, the only boxer to ever win world championships in eight different weight classes has continued to follow the sport where he achieved global fame.
Speculation about his return to the ring has been present throughout the last year. In July 2024, Pacquiao participated in an exhibition boxing match against kickboxer Rukiya Anpo at Super RIZIN 3. There have been links between Pacquiao and a fight against Barrios since late 2023.
During the Canelo Alvarez vs. William Scull fight week in Saudi Arabia recently, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman informed Boxing King Media that the intention was for Barrios to defend his title against Pacquiao this summer. Sulaiman also mentioned that Pacquiao had already received clearance from the Nevada State Athletic Commission to compete. WBC regulations permit a former champion to seek a title opportunity upon returning from retirement.
“Currently, Mario Barrios is slated to face Manny Pacquiao in July,” Sulaiman was quoted as saying. “That promises to be a tremendous fight.”
Pacquiao is scheduled for induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame next month. Additionally, he is currently involved in a tightly contested senatorial election in the Philippines, having previously served as a senator from 2016 to 2022. Brunch Boxing reported that Pacquiao is expected to delay the formal announcement of his comeback until after the May 12 election. However, indications from multiple sources suggest the announcement is merely a formality, with his boxing return highly anticipated.
San Antonio`s Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) recently competed on the undercard of Jake Paul`s decision victory against Mike Tyson, facing Abel Ramos. He secured the interim WBC title in September 2023 by defeating Ugas on points and was later promoted to full champion status in June 2024 when Terence Crawford was designated `champion in recess` by the WBC after moving up to the 154-pound division to fight Israil Madrimov. Barrios` only career defeats were against Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman.
The planned co-main event is a rematch featuring unified junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora (22-1-1, 14 KOs) and Tim Tszyu (25-2, 18 KOs). Their initial encounter was on March 30, 2024. Tszyu was originally set to fight Keith Thurman, but Thurman`s injury forced him to withdraw shortly before the scheduled date. Fundora took the fight on short notice and secured an upset victory via split decision.
TGB Promotions has tentatively booked the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for July 19. However, Lady Gaga`s Mayhem Ball tour is also scheduled there on July 16, 18, and 19, which likely means the boxing event will be relocated to the nearby MGM Grand Garden Arena. The MGM Grand holds historical significance for Pacquiao, as it was where he made his US debut and claimed his first major world title against Lehloholo Ledwaba on June 23, 2001.
Ellis Thorne 
Percy Harlow