Article Summary
Manny Pacquiao, the legendary boxer, announces his return to professional boxing after a nearly four-year retirement. He will face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship on July 19. Pacquiao, 46, has had an illustrious career with eight world titles across different weight classes. Despite losing to Floyd Mayweather in 2015, he continued to win two more world titles before retiring in August 2021. Barrios, 29, is the current WBC interim welterweight champion and will be defending his title against Pacquiao.
What This Means for You
- Get ready to witness a thrilling match between two renowned boxers, Pacquiao and Barrios, each with their unique fighting styles.
- Understand the significance of this fight in the boxing world, as it features a boxing legend and a rising star.
- Stay updated on the latest news and analysis leading up to the fight, as well as the outcome and its implications for both fighters’ careers.
- Be prepared for potential changes in the welterweight division rankings and future matchups, depending on the result of this fight.
Original Post
The legendary Manny Pacquiao will end a nearly four-year retirement when he faces Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship on July 19. On Wednesday, Pacquiao confirmed a previous ESPN report about his return to professional boxing.
“I’m back,” a post on Pacquiao’s X account read. “On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Let’s make history!”
Confirmation of the bout was on hold while Pacquiao ran for a Senate seat in the Philippines, a position in which he previously served from 2016 to 2022. Pacquiao conceded the race on May 14 after a 13th-place finish.
Pacquiao, 46, became one of the biggest stars in the sport over the course of a career that saw him capture world titles across eight weight classes, making him the first fighter to achieve the feat. As Pacquiao piled up championship belts, he became a rival to fellow superstar Floyd Mayweather, with years of failed negotiations for a fight until the pair finally clashed in a disappointing 2015 bout that resulted in a Mayweather victory.
Rumors of a Pacquiao return have popped up at various times since the Ugás loss, many times with Barrios as the potential opponent. Pacquiao has fought in exhibition fights since his retirement, most recently looking less than spectacular against former kickboxing champion Rukiya Anpo.
Barrios, 29, won the WBC interim welterweight title with a win over Fabian Maidana in May 2024. He was then elevated to full champion after then-undisputed champ Terence Crawford moved up in weight.
Barrios retained his title in November after battling Abel Ramos to a draw in a bloody war on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson card. Barrios’ other most notable fight came in June 2021 when he suffered a TKO loss to Gervonta “Tank” Davis in a very competitive bout.
Key Terms
- Manny Pacquiao
- Mario Barrios
- WBC welterweight championship
- Boxing legend
- Welterweight division
ORIGINAL SOURCE:
Source link
