Overview

• The bout is set for July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, marking Pacquiao’s first professional fight since August 2021.
• Pacquiao will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 8 and can become the first Hall of Famer to win a world title post-induction.
• Under the WBC’s Champion Emeritus rule, Pacquiao was placed fifth in the welterweight rankings to secure an immediate title opportunity.
• Oscar De La Hoya and Amir Khan have publicly questioned whether Pacquiao’s age will hamper his speed and expose him to ring-rust risks.
• Champion Mario Barrios says he’s “stocked” for the matchup and plans to use his youth and reach to defend his belt.