LIVE: Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios: Boxing Legend Returns to Challenge for WBC Welterweight Title

 

Manny Pacquiao, a name etched in the annals of boxing history, is stepping back into the professional ring at the age of 46 after nearly four years of retirement. The Filipino boxing icon will face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in a highly anticipated bout that has the sports world watching closely.

Pacquiao’s return comes after a long hiatus, with his last professional fight dating back to August 2021 — a loss to Yordenis Ugas. Since then, fans assumed he had hung up his gloves for good. However, nearly six years since his last win, Pacquiao has chosen to re-enter the sport with a direct challenge for the world title.

His opponent, Mario Barrios, may be younger by 16 years, but he brings with him a mix of experience and momentum. Though Barrios has previously suffered defeats against Gervonta "Tank" Davis and Keith Thurman, he rebounded to capture the WBC interim welterweight title and was later elevated to full champion status. With a notable six-inch height advantage and a four-inch reach edge over Pacquiao, Barrios enters the fight as the favorite.

For Pacquiao, victory on Sunday would be nothing short of historic. Already recognized as the oldest welterweight champion following his 2019 win over Keith Thurman, a triumph against Barrios would place him as the second oldest champion in boxing history — behind Bernard Hopkins and ahead of George Foreman.

Adding more intrigue to the event, there is widespread speculation that Floyd Mayweather, who has also remained active in exhibition bouts since retirement, might be present ringside. This has fueled speculation about a possible future encounter between the two legends, though no such plans have been confirmed.

The event is further bolstered by an exciting undercard, with Sebastian Fundora defending the WBC super welterweight title — a belt he secured in a dramatic bout against Tim Tszyu last year.

With legacy on the line and history within reach, the Pacquiao vs. Barrios showdown promises to be a momentous chapter in boxing.

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