I’m back’: Pacquiao, 46, announces return to boxing

Manny Pacquiao announced on Wednesday that he will come out of retirement to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title on July 19 in Las Vegas. 

The 46-year-old boxing legend from the Philippines will step back into the ring at the MGM Grand.

Pacquiao holds the distinction of being the only boxer to win world titles in eight different weight divisions. He also became the oldest welterweight champion in history at age 40 in 2019.

In addition to his boxing career, Pacquiao served as a senator in the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. He retired from boxing in 2021 and ran for president in 2022.

“I’m back. On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Let’s make history,” Pacquiao shared on Instagram.

The southpaw boasts a career record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws over 72 fights. He was recently named to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Class of 2025.

Barrios, a Mexican-American fighter, has 29 wins in 32 fights, with 18 of those victories coming by knockout. He has suffered two defeats.