Pacquiao Returns: Legend Faces Barrios for WBC Welterweight Crown July 19 on PBC PPV

Boxing icon and first-ballot Hall of Famer Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is making his highly anticipated return to the ring on Saturday, July 19, as he takes on WBC Welterweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in the main event of a star-studded PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Co-Main Event: Fundora vs. Tszyu II

In a blockbuster co-main, WBC Super Welterweight Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will run it back with former champion Tim Tszyu, following their brutal March 2024 clash that saw Tszyu battle through a severe cut before losing by split decision.

Also On the Card

A heated rematch between Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and Angel Fierro in a 12-round super lightweight bout.

Featherweight fireworks as Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa faces top contender Joet Gonzalez in a 10-round showdown to open the PPV at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.

Pre-sale tickets are live now via AXS.com using code: PBC, and public on-sale begins Wednesday, June 4 at 10 a.m. PT.

The event will be available for purchase on Prime Video (no Prime membership required), as well as traditional cable, satellite, and PPV.com.

Main Event: Pacquiao vs. Barrios

Despite a 17-year age gap, both fighters are promising an all-action war. For Pacquiao, 45, this is a shot at history—coming straight off his June Hall of Fame induction, he looks to reclaim the WBC title and break his own record as the oldest welterweight world champion.

Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs), the pride of the Philippines and a former senator, has beaten eight Hall of Famers, including Oscar De La Hoya and Miguel Cotto. His last victory came in 2019 over Keith Thurman, while his most recent fight was a decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021.

“Boxing is my passion,” said Pacquiao. “MGM Grand is like home. Barrios is a real Mexican warrior—this is going to be an amazing night.”

Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs), 29, stands six feet tall and brings a nearly seven-inch height advantage. After back-to-back wins over Yordenis Ugas and Fabian Maidana, he was elevated to WBC champion. He retained his belt in a thrilling split draw against Abel Ramos.

“It’s an honor to face Pacquiao,” said Barrios. “But once the bell rings, it’s all business. I’m younger, I’m hungrier, and I’m ready to prove I belong at the top.”

Sebastian Fundora vs. Tim Tszyu II

Their first fight ended in controversy after an elbow opened a gruesome cut on Tszyu, who fought on bravely but lost his WBO title and a chance at the vacant WBC crown to Fundora (22-1-1, 14 KOs).

The 6’6” Fundora has been on a tear, including a KO win over Chordale Booker. He's part of boxing’s first brother-sister world champion duo with his sister Gabriela.

“Expect another violent and entertaining fight,” said Fundora.

Tszyu (25-2, 18 KOs), son of legend Kostya Tszyu, bounced back with a statement win over Joey Spencer in April. After taking the Fundora fight on short notice, he now enters with a full camp.

“This time I’m prepared,” said Tszyu. “I’ve been through the fire. I’m ready to rewrite the story.”

Isaac Cruz vs. Angel Fierro II

In February, Cruz edged out Fierro in a 10-round slugfest that featured over 1,400 punches thrown. Now they’re set to do it again—this time over 12 rounds.

Cruz (27-3-1, 18 KOs), fresh off winning the WBA title by stopping Rolly Romero, looks to solidify his spot among the elite at 140 lbs.

“I know I won the first fight, but I can do even better,” said Cruz.

Fierro (22-3-2, 17 KOs), a powerful brawler from Tijuana, believes he deserved the nod the first time around.

“I’ll prove I won that first fight,” said Fierro. “This is Mexican-style boxing, and I’m coming to win.”

Brandon Figueroa vs. Joet Gonzalez

Former two-division champ Brandon Figueroa (25-2-1, 19 KOs) returns after losing a close decision in his rematch with Stephen Fulton Jr. A fan favorite for his all-action style, Figueroa now trains in L.A. under Manny Robles.

“This will be an all-action throwdown. I owe the fans,” said Figueroa.

Joet Gonzalez (27-4, 15 KOs) recently defeated Arnold Khegai and is chasing another title shot after close losses to top names like Shakur Stevenson and Emanuel Navarrete.

“We’re both warriors. Expect fireworks,” said Gonzalez.

Don’t miss a historic night of world-class boxing on July 19. Four explosive matchups. One unforgettable evening.