Manny Pacquiao Officially Comeback At 46 Years Old

Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring to face Mario Barrios (Instagram/@manypaquiao).

JAKARTA Manny Pacquiao officially announced he would return to the ring at the age of 46 and nearly four years after he had his last fight.

The boxer from the Philippines confirmed that he would face WBC welterweight world champion Mario Barrios, on July 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, United States.

Pacquiao will be eyeing the status of the oldest welterweight world champion in the world of boxing.

"I'm back. Let's make history," he was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

At this point, Pacquiao actually still holds the oldest welterweight title. He scored that record after defeating Keith Thurman in 2019 to win the WBA (Super) title at the age of 40.

The WBC controversially returned Pacquiao to their rankings at number five last week when speculation about the fighter's return to the ring rose.

However, the President of WBC, Mauricio Suliman, then defended the decision.

"Pacquiao has obtained a license from Nevada and passed all medical tests. As the legendary WBC champion, it has been approved to fight by our organization," he said.

Pacquiao last fought in August 2021 when he lost points against Yordenis Ugas.

This legendary boxer is a four-time welterweight champion and has a total record of 62 fights, eight defeats, and two draws.

Since retiring from boxing, Pacquiao has also been involved in politics in his home country. However, last week he failed in his bid to be elected to the Philippine senate.