Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has revealed his return to the ring at 46, nearly four years after his last professional fight. The former eight-division world champion is set to face WBC welterweight titleholder Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas.
“I’m back,” Pacquiao declared on social media. “Let’s make history.”
Should Pacquiao win, he will become the oldest welterweight world champion in boxing history, a record he already holds after defeating Keith Thurman in 2019 at the age of 40.
Recently, the World Boxing Council (WBC) reinstated Pacquiao into its welterweight rankings at number five, stirring debates among fans and analysts. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman defended the decision, explaining that Pacquiao had been licensed by Nevada and passed all necessary medical exams.
“Pacquiao has been licensed by Nevada and passed all medicals. As a legendary WBC champion, he has been approved to fight by our organization,” Sulaiman said.
Pacquiao’s last fight took place in August 2021, where he lost to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision. He announced his retirement soon after, with a professional record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, including four welterweight titles.
Since retiring, Pacquiao has remained active in Philippine politics, though he recently fell short in his attempt to return to the country’s Senate.
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