Manny Pacquiao is set to step back into the boxing ring on July 19, ending a nearly four-year hiatus. He will face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship. The fight was formally confirmed this past Saturday in Las Vegas.
At 46 years old, Pacquiao stands as the only boxer to have claimed world titles in eight different weight classes. His most recent bout was in August 2021, where he lost a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas.
With a record of 62 wins (39 by knockout), 8 losses, and 2 draws, Pacquiao`s professional journey began in January 1995. He has captured championships across weight classes ranging from flyweight (112 lbs) up to junior middleweight (154 lbs). He is slated for induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 8. Notably, since his pro debut, only five male fighters have competed professionally after their Hall of Fame induction.
According to research, Holly Holm, inducted into the IBHOF in 2022, is poised to be the first woman to achieve this post-induction fighting milestone when she faces Yolanda Vega on June 28.
Should Pacquiao defeat Barrios, he would make history as the first fighter to secure a world championship while already being a member of the Hall of Fame.
Speaking at a Las Vegas press conference Saturday, Pacquiao stated, “I always aim to surprise the fans.” He added, “I am taking this very seriously and pushing my preparation to the absolute limit for this fight.”
Considering his extensive career achievements, questions arise: Why is Pacquiao returning now? How did he secure an immediate title opportunity after such a long absence? And what are his prospects against an opponent 16 years his junior?
The Motivation Behind Pacquiao`s Return at 46
He alluded to his motivation during Saturday`s conference, indicating his enduring passion for boxing.
Pacquiao explained, “I am returning because it is my passion. Although I`ve been away for four years, boxing is always on my mind. I genuinely missed it.”
In his initial social media announcement on May 21 confirming the bout, he also highlighted the historical significance. He simply wrote, “I`m back,” concluding with, “Let`s make history!” Pacquiao aims to surpass the record he established in 2019 for the oldest welterweight champion, when he claimed the WBA title from Keith Thurman at 40.
Securing a Title Shot Immediately After Returning
Despite not having a victory in almost six years, WBC regulations permit former champions returning from retirement to request a title challenge. Following his comeback announcement, Pacquiao was ranked No. 5 in the WBC welterweight division, behind Devin Haney, Souleymane Cissokho, Conor Benn, and Egidijus Kavaliauskas.
Pacquiao`s Performance in His Last Fight
He appeared as a visibly older and slower version of himself. In his 2021 bout against Ugas, Pacquiao seemed to lack the signature footwork and explosive bursts that defined his career as an eight-division champion. His movements were often predictable, and Ugas, a technically proficient Cuban fighter, effectively controlled distance with his jab and countered Pacquiao`s entries with well-timed right hands. Although competitive at times, Ugas decisively won the fight. Pacquiao landed only 130 out of 815 punches (19%). This performance was arguably his least effective since the highly anticipated 2015 fight against Floyd Mayweather. Analysis of his last six fights (November 2016 to August 2021) shows a decrease of approximately 10 punches thrown and 7 punches landed per round compared to his peak period (December 2008 to April 2016). It seems unlikely his performance level will significantly improve after a four-year layoff.
Understanding Mario Barrios
Mario Barrios, a lanky 30-year-old boxer from San Antonio, holds the WBC welterweight title. Standing 6 feet tall, his considerable height gives him a notable advantage over many opponents in the 147-pound division. He is known for throwing a high volume of punches, although he sometimes prefers to engage in closer exchanges rather than fully utilizing his reach of 71 inches.
Despite this, his style has proven effective throughout his career. Turning professional in 2013, Barrios built an undefeated record of 26-0 before suffering his first defeat, a stoppage loss to Gervonta Davis in a junior welterweight contest in 2021. He then lost to former welterweight champion Keith Thurman in 2022 but has since gone undefeated in his last four appearances. This streak includes a unanimous decision win in 2023 over Yordenis Ugas, the fighter who last defeated Pacquiao, securing the vacant WBC interim title.
In his most recent outing last November, Barrios fought Abel Ramos to a split draw on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson event.
Barrios stated on Saturday, “Every fight and every main event I`ve participated in has prepared me for Manny Pacquiao. This is my opportunity. I am defending my championship against a true legend.”
Impact on Pacquiao`s Hall of Fame Status
His return has no impact on his Hall of Fame induction. Pacquiao was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in December, prior to any plans for a comeback. He is set to headline the induction class on June 8, joining figures like Vinny Paz and Michael Nunn.
Early Prediction
Based on his performance against Ugas four years ago, where he appeared slow and hesitant, the legendary Pacquiao will need a significant return of his earlier explosiveness and speed to counter Barrios`s physical attributes. Barrios is likely to utilize his height and reach to maintain distance and outwork Pacquiao, ultimately retaining his title via decision.