‘I’m back’ – 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao announces boxing return

Boxing legend, Manny Pacquiao has announced his return to the ring at age 46, nearly four years after his last professional fight.

The former eight-division world champion will face WBC welterweight titleholder Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas.

“I’m back,” Pacquiao wrote on social media. “Let’s make history.”

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 🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/KEscQEims0

— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) May 21, 2025

If he wins, Pacquiao will become the oldest welterweight world champion in boxing history—a record he already holds after defeating Keith Thurman in 2019 at age 40.

The World Boxing Council recently reinstated him into its welterweight rankings at number five, sparking debate among fans and pundits.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman defended the move, saying Pacquiao had been licensed by Nevada and passed all required medicals.

“Pacquiao has been licensed by Nevada and passed all medicals. As a legendary WBC champion, he has been approved to fight by our organisation,” Sulaiman said.

Pacquiao last fought in August 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision. He retired shortly afterward with a professional record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, including four welterweight titles.

Since retiring, he has remained active in politics in the Philippines but recently failed in his bid to return to the country’s Senate.