Manny Pacquiao returns to challenge Mario Barrios for WBC Welterweight Title on July 19

Manny Pacquiao today confirmed on social media that he plans to get out of retirement to cause Mario Barrios for his WBC Welterweight Title on July 19th at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. 46-year-old Pacquiao wants to become a world champion again.

The return of Pacquiao, which immediately got the title after four years of inactivity, was massive. Fans do not like the idea that the Philippine star inserted on #5 by WBC, she received a title in her first fight since 2021.

Pacquia’s return

Fans suspect that they are coming back because of the money, seeing that older trade fighters are making absurd amounts of dough for their struggles. Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are examples of it.

Barrios (29-2-1, 18 ko) is seen as a paper champion in 147 many fans. So Manny (62-8-2, 39 ko) chose the perfect belt holder for him to try to win the belt in his return. Pacquia’s old promoter, Bob Arum, does not think he is a good idea to fight in his age, and is worried about the possibility of injuring himself.

Pacquia’s former opponent, Tim Bradley, says Mario Barrios could “finish” him, sending him back to his retirement. He doesn’t think Manny can handle a much younger, capable 29-year-old Barrios in his age.

Even if Pacquiao wins, how much credit will he get for Beat Barrios? It won’t be as much as he or his fans think they will. Barrios must have lost the last fight against the candidate for Fringe Abel Ramos last November at Arlington, Texas. The fight was rated as a draw in 12 rounds, but many boxing fans beat Ramos, including me.

The Barrios last defeated against Keith Thurman and the lightweight Gervont Davis. Thurman was out of the ring for more than two years when he struggled with Barrios.

I came back.

On July 19, I return to the ring to face the WBC champion Mario Barrios at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Let’s make history! #Teampacquiao 🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/kescqeims0

– Manny Pacquiao (@mannypacquiao) May 21, 2025