Manny Pacquiao comeback, explained: Filipino boxing star ends retirement to face Mario Barrios after four years
Context:
Manny Pacquiao, the legendary Filipino boxer, is making a comeback at 46, ending his four-year retirement to face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship on July 19. Pacquiao, who retired in 2021 with a record of 62-8-2, is celebrated for winning titles in eight different weight divisions, a feat unmatched in boxing history. Since stepping away from the ring, he has been active in politics, including a run for the Philippine presidency in 2022, where he finished third. Barrios, with a 29-2-1 record, has held the WBC welterweight title for a year, with his last fight resulting in a draw against Abel Ramos. Pacquiao is also set to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June, highlighting his esteemed career and influence in the sport.
Dive Deeper:
Manny Pacquiao is returning to boxing after a four-year hiatus, set to fight Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship on July 19, at the age of 46.
Pacquiao's decorated career includes winning titles in eight different weight divisions, making him one of the most successful boxers in history, and he retired in 2021 with an impressive 62-8-2 record.
During his retirement, Pacquiao focused on his political career, notably running for the Philippine presidency in 2022, where he secured third place with 6.8% of the vote.
Mario Barrios, Pacquiao's upcoming opponent, boasts a 29-2-1 record and has held the WBC welterweight championship for a year, with his most recent fight against Abel Ramos ending in a draw.
Pacquiao's return to the ring coincides with his impending induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, set to occur in early June, underscoring his legendary status in the sport.
In his last bout before retiring, Pacquiao lost to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision, marking his third loss in his final eight fights.
Pacquiao is also vying for a seat in the Philippines Senate, a position he previously held from 2016 to 2022 before his presidential bid.
Manny Pacquiao, the 46-year-old boxing superstar who stepped away from the sport four years ago, is coming out of retirement to fight Mario Barrios this summer, ESPN's Andreas Hale first reported. The fight, which is scheduled for July 19, will be for the WBC welterweight championship.
When Pacquiao retired from boxing with 62 wins in 72 fights, he was regarded as one of the best boxers of all time. In his career, Pacquiao won fights for eight different weight divisions, which is a boxing record, including one for the WBC Super Welterweight title.
Pacquiao is even set to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame this year, with the ceremony set to take place during the first week of June.
Here's what you need to know about Pacquiao's return to boxing.
When is Manny Pacquiao's next fight?
Manny Pacquiao is now set to fight Mario Barrios on July 19 for the WBC welterweight championship. Barrios, who has a 29-2-1 record, began his career with 26 straight victories before suffering his first loss.Barrios has been the World Boxing Council welterweight championship holder for the past year. His last fight came on Nov. 24 when he fought Abel Ramos to a draw.
When did Manny Pacquiao retire?
Pacquiao retired from boxing in August of 2021 after he fought Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas, a fight that ended in an Ugas win by unanimous decision. That fight marked Pacquiao's third loss in his last eight fights and fifth in his last 13 after losing just three fights in his first 59.In his hiatus, Pacquiao focused on his political career as he ran in the 2022 Philippine presidential election as one of the Philippines' most famous celebrities. During the election on May 9, 2022, Pacquiao finished in third place with 6.8 percent of the vote, as Bongbong Marcos won the election decisively.
Pacquiao is also currently running for a spot in the Philippines senate this year, a seat that he previously held from 2016-22 before running for president.
How old is Manny Pacquiao?
Pacquiao is 46 and is looking to regain the welterweight title, which he last earned in a fight in 2019.Manny Pacquiao record
When Pacquiao retired from boxing, he had a 62-8-2 record and was regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time.