Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is set to make a sensational return to professional boxing at the age of 46, taking on WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in July.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed the bout whilst speaking to Boxing King Media.
“At this time, Mario Barrios is going to fight Manny Pacquiao in July. That’s a tremendous fight,” Sulaiman said.
The Filipino icon will be challenging for the green and gold strap after four years away from the professional ring.
Pacquiao has not competed professionally since August 2021, when he suffered a points defeat to Yordenis Ugas.
The eight-weight world champion officially announced his retirement following that loss.
Since stepping away from professional boxing, Pacquiao has participated in exhibition bouts, including a disappointing performance against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo last July.
“I made history at 40 beating Keith Thurman and I feel at 45, I have a lot left in the game as I haven’t taken a lot of punishment over the last few years,” Pacquiao told ESPN last year.
Sulaiman explained that Pacquiao’s direct title shot, despite being retired, is permitted under a special WBC provision.
“We do have that provision in the rules. A legendary champion with the credentials of Pacquiao [can fight],” the WBC president stated.
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He referenced Sugar Ray Leonard as precedent, who came out of retirement after four years to defeat Marvin Hagler.
“He has been medically cleared and licensed, so we have voted in favour to allow that fight to happen,” Sulaiman added.
Pacquiao’s first world title was at flyweight with the WBC.
Barrios, who is 17 years younger than Pacquiao at 29, has fought five times since the Filipino’s last professional bout.
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The Mexican-American holds a professional record of 29-2-1, with his only defeats coming against Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman.
He claimed the WBC interim welterweight title by defeating Ugas in September 2023.
Barrios was elevated to full world champion status last June when Terence Crawford relinquished the belt to move up to super welterweight.
His most recent fight ended in a split draw against Abel Ramos last November.
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Manny Pacquiao is set to take on a fighter who is aged 29, 17 years younger than him
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Pacquiao is currently in the midst of a political campaign for the Philippine Senate, with elections scheduled for 12 May.
Reports suggest no official announcement about the fight will be made until after his campaign concludes.
Given the timing of the election, the bout is likely to be scheduled for late July.
Las Vegas appears the most probable venue, with PBC having held six events there since the start of 2024.
“I want to go out making history,” Pacquiao has declared regarding his comeback.
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