Manny Pacquiao, 46, confirms controversial boxing return against 29-year-old welterweight champion Mario Barrios – amid fears over the veteran’s health in the bout

• Manny Pacquiao has not fought since 2021 when he lost to Yordenis Ugas 
• Legendary Filipino is 46 and many believe his return should not be sanctioned
• He is set to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, 29, in Vegas in July

By TUM BALOGUN

Manny Pacquiao has confirmed his controversial return to boxing after four years away from the sport. 

The legendary Filipino will face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, 29, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on July 19. 

Pacquiao was last in action in 2021, losing on points against Yordenis Ugas. He looked a shadow of his former self in that performance.

He announced the news in a social media post on Wednesday, writing:’ I’m back. 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! #TeamPacquiao.’

Pacquiao re-entered the welterweight rankings earlier this month, prompting concern given his last professional showing four years ago. 

Manny Pacquiao has confirmed his controversial return to boxing after four years away from the sport 

The legendary Filipino will face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, 29, this summer

The former eight-division champion has slotted back into the rankings at No 5 in the 147lbs division. Pacquiao has competed in exhibition events since his last professional defeat, albeit at a completely different level.

He produced a lacklustre showing against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo last July and there are fears his body simply cannot hold up at elite level anymore.

But WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman recently confirmed the comeback was on, saying: ‘At this time, Mario Barrios is going to fight Manny Pacquiao in July.

‘That’s a tremendous fight. Manny Pacquiao’s first [world] title was at flyweight, with the WBC.

‘And 1747843736 he wants to retire as the WBC champion, so he’s fighting in the welterweight division.’

The man himself insisted last year than he can still compete with the younger generation despite his age.

‘I made history at 40 beating Keith Thurman, and I feel at 45, I have a lot left in the game as I haven’t taken a lot of punishment over the last few years,’ he told ESPN.

Amir Khan is among those who fear for Pacquiao and he told Mail Sport: ‘I mean, it shocked me a little bit.

Pacquiao was well beaten in his last professional outing back in 2021 by Yordenis Ugas (right)

‘I know Barrios really well — he’s still young, he still has that fire in his belly, and he will give him big problems. Barrios has been looking really good in his last couple of fights, whereas Manny obviously lost his last fight.

‘With Manny, I think he’s way past that age where we don’t want him to get hurt. He’s always one punch away from getting hurt. He’s only getting older. I’m sure he’s nearly touching 45 or something’.

‘When told Pacquiao was actually 46, Khan said: ‘Wow. So almost 50. Older than I thought. So even more to the point.’

:
Manny Pacquiao, 46, confirms controversial boxing return against 29-year-old welterweight champion Mario Barrios – amid fears over the veteran’s health in the bout

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk