Manny Pacquiao’s return to boxing in 2025 has split opinions as the former eight-division world champion takes on Mario Barrios.
Set to compete on July 19th, 2025, Pacquiao will end a four-year hiatus from professional boxing to challenge former Gervonta Davis opponent, Barrios.
‘Pac-Man’ will be facing Barrios for his WBC World Welterweight title, and will go into the bout at 46 years of age.
Pacquiao last competed in an exhibition bout under the combat sports organization Rizin. However, his last professional bout was in August 2021.
Speaking on why he is returning to boxing, Pacquiao has clear intentions for his comeback.
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Manny Pacquiao wants to make history in boxing comeback
Speaking to former world champion Shawn Porter on behalf of Fox Sports Australia, Pacquiao was asked about his comeback fight with Barrios.
Pacquiao told Porter that despite being retired, he has kept active in his life. “I was able to rest my body. That’s a good thing for me because I always do exercise every day and I realized, I can still have a fight. I still have the speed, the power, the stamina.”
Pacquiao said that his activity largely includes playing basketball, badminton, and working in his home gym.
When asked what the fight against Barrios was for, Pacquiao responded, “This is about continuing my career, and about history.”
The fighter from the Philippines then added that he wanted to break his own record of being the oldest world welterweight champion.
Although Pacquiao would be older than George Foreman was when he defeated Michael Moorer, he could not beat Bernard Hopkins’ record as the oldest-ever world champion against Barrios.
‘Pac-Man’ also mentioned that he wanted to win a world title shortly after being inducted into the boxing hall of fame.
Manny Pacquiao’s last professional fight ended in defeat in 2021
Going into his bout with Barrios, Pacquiao has a professional record of 62-8-2. For his 72nd fight, he was not able to add a 63rd win to his resume.
Facing Yordenis Ugas (26-4) in August 2021, Pacquiao would be bested via unanimous decision in Las Vegas. The loss meant that Pacquiao was not able to reclaim the WBA World Welterweight title.
The loss also ended a three-fight win streak for Pacquiao.
Over a 12-month period starting in July 2018, Pacquiao defeated Lucas Matthysse, Adrien Broner, and Keith Thurman.