In a major announcement that has electrified the boxing world, Manny Pacquiao is unretiring and set to return to the ring on July 19, 2025. The 46-year-old boxing legend will challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship in Las Vegas, marking a dramatic comeback nearly four years after his last professional fight.
Pacquiao, the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, last fought in August 2021 before retiring to pursue his political career in the Philippines. Now, with a renewed hunger for competition and a historic title opportunity ahead, Manny Pacquiao unretiring has become one of the most talked-about stories in sports.
Manny Pacquiao Unretiring for Championship Glory
The fight against Barrios will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, a venue steeped in Pacquiao history, as it hosted his U.S. debut in 2001. The bout will be broadcast on pay-per-view through PBC on Prime Video.
According to WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, Pacquiao has been cleared by the Nevada State Athletic Commission to return, and under WBC rules, a former champion is eligible to request a title shot upon coming out of retirement. Pacquiao seized that opportunity, eager to reclaim championship status before officially closing his legendary career.
Why Is Manny Pacquiao Unretiring?
Several factors have driven Pacquiao’s comeback. Chief among them is his desire to retire as a world champion. “He wants to retire as champion,” Sulaiman stated, highlighting the Filipino icon’s ambition to go out on top.
Pacquiao also appeared in an exhibition match in July 2024, signaling his lingering desire to compete. His upcoming induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June 2025 has kept him firmly in the public eye, perhaps reigniting his passion for one last crowning moment inside the ring.
Balancing his boxing return with his political aspirations, including a Senate role and past presidential run, Pacquiao continues to prove his exceptional drive and versatility.
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A Legacy-Defining Final Chapter
With Manny Pacquiao unretiring, fans are set to witness another thrilling chapter in a career that has already secured its place in history. Whether or not he reclaims the welterweight title, Pacquiao’s return underscores his enduring love for boxing and his unrelenting competitive spirit. July 19 promises to be a historic night, as Pacquiao seeks one last triumph in a storied career.