Pacquiao Title Shot: Why Now?
- Manny Pacquiao, the legendary Filipino boxer, is ending his nearly four-year retirement to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title.
- He last fought in August 2021, losing to yordenis Ugas.
- the eight-division world champion is set to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 8.
Manny Pacquiao is back! The legendary boxer is ending his retirement to challenge Mario barrios for the WBC welterweight title, a fight that will surely electrify the boxing world. at 46, Pacquiao, who is also set to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, aims to defy the odds adn add another title to his illustrious career. News Directory 3 has the details on why Pacquiao is returning now, nearly six years after his last win, and what he’ll need to do to overcome current titleholder Barrios. Will Pacquiao’s legendary skills return? Discover what’s next in this highly anticipated boxing match.
Manny Pacquiao announces Return to boxing, Title Fight set
Updated May 31, 2025
Manny Pacquiao, the legendary Filipino boxer, is ending his nearly four-year retirement to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. The fight was announced Saturday in Las Vegas and is scheduled for July 19.
Pacquiao, 46, boasts a record of 62-8-2 with 39 knockouts. He last fought in August 2021, losing to yordenis Ugas. The upcoming bout marks Pacquiao’s return to the ring as he seeks to add another title to his illustrious career.
the eight-division world champion is set to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 8. Only a handful of male fighters have competed after receiving this honor.Holly Holm will be the first woman to do so when she boxes Yolanda Vega on June 28.
A victory over Barrios would make Pacquiao the first boxer to win a world title as a Hall of Famer. The Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios fight promises bout is highly anticipated.
Despite not having won a fight in almost six years, Pacquiao, ranked No. 5 by the WBC,is eligible for a title shot due to his former champion status.
His last performance against Ugas revealed a slower version of the boxing icon. Pacquiao’s movements lacked the explosiveness of his prime, leading to a unanimous decision loss. CompuBox stats showed he landed only 19% of his punches, a significant drop from his peak.
Mario Barrios, 30, of San antonio, is the current WBC welterweight titleholder. Known for his height and reach, Barrios presents a significant challenge to Pacquiao. He is a high-volume puncher who isn’t afraid to brawl inside.
Barrios’ record stands at 29-2. He suffered a loss to Gervonta Davis in 2021 and Keith Thurman in 2022 but has as remained undefeated. His recent fight against Abel Ramos ended in a split draw.
”Every fight and main event I have been in has prepared me for Manny Pacquiao,” Barrios said. “This is my moment. I’m defending my title against a legend.”
Pacquiao’s Hall of Fame induction remains unaffected by his return to boxing.
What’s next
Barrios is favored to win, given Pacquiao’s age and recent performance.To secure a victory, Pacquiao will need to recapture the speed and explosiveness of his earlier career. Barrios will likely leverage his reach and work rate to retain his title.