Pacquiao Returns From Retirement to Face Barrios for WBC Title

On July 19, Manny Pacquiao will end a nearly four-year break from boxing when he challenges Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The 46-year-old Filipino legend announced his comeback on social media, posting "I'm back" and said he wants to "make history" again.

The southpaw boxer holds a record of 62 wins, eight losses and two draws across 72 professional fights and was recently inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025. His decision to return comes after he finished 18th in the 2025 Philippine senatorial election, ending his political career.

Fans ready to bet on the fight have looked at different platforms, and many now use

crypto sportsbook options for quick deposits and withdrawals with digital coins. Crypto betting sites let users stay anonymous and process money faster than regular sportsbooks, which explains why more bettors pick them.

Barrios has won 29 of 32 fights with 18 knockouts. The Mexican-American boxer took the full WBC welterweight title in June 2024 when Terence Crawford moved up to 154 pounds and the organization put him in "champion in recess" status. Barrios won the interim belt in September 2023 with a decision victory over Yordenis Ugas and fought to a draw with Abel Ramos last November on the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson undercard.

WBC policy allows retired former champions to challenge for titles upon their return, which allowed Pacquiao to bypass the typical ranking system. This caused controversy when the organization briefly listed him as the fifth-ranked welterweight contender before admitting it was a clerical error.

If Pacquiao defeats Barrios, he will become the first Hall of Fame inductee to win a world title after his induction. He would also set a new record as the oldest welterweight champion, surpassing the mark he set at 40 when he defeated Keith Thurman in 2019.

The Filipino icon has assembled an experienced team for his comeback, which includes longtime trainer Freddie Roach. Boxing great Sugar Ray Leonard has offered guidance and told the media that Pacquiao needs both mental and physical sharpness to compete effectively at this stage of his career.

The pay-per-view event will stream on Prime Video and features a compelling co-main event that has Sebastian Fundora who defends his WBC super welterweight title against Tim Tszyu in a rematch of their 2024 encounter. Additional undercard fights include Isaac Cruz versus Angel Fierro and Brandon Figueroa against Joet Gonzalez.

Pacquiao's last professional victory came in 2019, and critics say his age and ring rust are major obstacles. Pacquiao lost his last official fight to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision for the WBA welterweight title in 2021, and appeared past his prime. He did participate in an exhibition match against kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in July 2024 at Super Rizin 3.

Pacquiao appeared emotional during a recent press conference in Los Angeles when he talked about his return. He stated that he missed every aspect of the sport, from training to big fights. "I missed that. But it has been good for me - I've rested my body for four years. And now I come back," he stated, while confirming that his political career has ended.

The boxing world is still divided over whether this is a triumphant return or a cautionary tale about fighters who stay too long in the sport. When the bell rings on July 19, Pacquiao will try to show that passion and determination can overcome age and time away from competition.