Manny Pacquiao Returns To Challenge Mario Barrios For WBC Welterweight Title On July 19

Manny Pacquiao confirmed today on social media that he plans to come out of retirement to challenge Mario Barrios for his WBC welterweight title on July 19th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The 46-year-old Pacquiao wants to become world champion again.

The backlash of Pacquiao getting an immediate title shot after four years of inactivity has been massive. Fans don’t like the idea of the Filipino star being inserted at the #5 spot by the WBC, and getting a title shot in his first fight since 2021.

Pacquiao’s Return

Fans suspect he’s returning for the money, seeing that the older shopworn fighters are making absurd amounts of dough for their fights. Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are examples of that.

Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) is seen as a paper champion at 147 by many fans. So, Manny (62-8-2, 39 KOs) has chosen the perfect belt holder for him to try and win a belt in his comeback. Pacquiao’s old promoter, Bob Arum, doesn’t think it’s a good idea for him to fight at his age, and he’s concerned about the possibility of him getting hurt.

Pacquiao’s former opponent, Tim Bradley, says Mario Barrios could “Finish” him, sending him back into retirement. He doesn’t think Manny can deal with the much younger, able-bodied 29-year-old Barrios at his age.

Even if Pacquiao does win, how much credit will he receive for beating Barrios? It won’t be as much as he or his fans think it will. Barrios arguably lost his last fight against fringe contender Abel Ramos last November in Arlington, Texas. The fight was scored as a 12-round draw, but many boxing fans had Ramos winning, including me.

Barrios’ past defeats have come against Keith Thurman and lightweight Gervonta Davis. Thurman had been out of the ring for over 2 years when he fought Barrios.

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! #TeamPacquiao 🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/KEscQEims0

— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) May 21, 2025