Overview
- Manny Pacquiao, the only eight-division world champion, will face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship in Las Vegas on July 19.
- Pacquiao, 46, last competed professionally in August 2021, losing to Yordenis Ugas, and announced his retirement shortly after to focus on politics.
- The fight has been officially sanctioned by the WBC and cleared by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, utilizing a rule allowing former champions to request an immediate title shot upon unretiring.
- Mario Barrios, 29, holds a 29-2-1 record and became the WBC welterweight champion in 2024 after being elevated from interim status.
- Pacquiao is also campaigning for a Philippine Senate seat, with a formal fight announcement expected after the May 12 election, and will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June.