MANILA – Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has announced his return to the ring almost four years after his last fight.
Pacquiao announced on social media that he will face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“I’m back,” Pacquiao declared.
At 46 years old, “Pacman” is looking to turn back time and overcome his own feat as boxing’s oldest welterweight world champion. He currently holds the record, when he beat Keith Thurman in 2019 to claim the WBA (Super) world title at age 40.
Pacquiao’s announcement came a week after his failed return bid to the Philippines Senate.
Based on his social media updates, he has been training in General Santos City.
He is now in the United States to continue training camp with longtime trainer Freddie Roach and cornerman Buboy Fernandez.
Pacquiao, a boxing legend and global icon, is set to be enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 8. “Pacman,” as he is affectionately known, captivated fans worldwide during a career that saw him win 12 titles across an unprecedented eight weight classes, ranging from flyweight to super welterweight.
His incredible journey from poverty to worldwide fame brought immense honor to his Southeast Asian nation, where he is also hailed as the “People’s Champ.”
Pacquiao formally announced his retirement from boxing in 2021, concluding a remarkable 26-year professional career with a record of 62-8-2, including
39 knockouts.
His final bout was a disheartening unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas, where the younger Cuban boxer retained the WBA welterweight title. That fight marked Pacquiao’s return to the ring after more than two years.
/ PNA