Mario Barrios v Manny Pacquiao

Boxing great Manny Pacquiao is coming out of retirement to fight Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight crown in July.

Pacquiao's team made the announcement on Thursday, just hours after he conceded defeat in a bid for another seat in the Philippines Senate.

“His comeback aligns with his scheduled induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June, capping a storied sports legacy that continues to inspire millions of Filipino people,” the press statement said.

It was not clear if the fight at a Las Vegas venue to be decided is a one-off or if 46-year-old Pacquiao is coming out of a four-year retirement to box full-time.

A world champion in eight divisions from flyweight to super welterweight, he appeared to end a 26-year career in 2021 with a record of 62-8-2 (39 KOs).

Barrios retained the WBC welterweight belt with a draw against Abel Ramos last November in Arlington, Texas.

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Manny Pacquiao has announced his return to the ring aged 46 and almost four years after his last fight.

The Filipino says he will face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on 19 July in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao is now aiming to become boxing's oldest welterweight world champion.

"I'm back," Pacquiao said on social media. "Let's make history."

Pacquiao currently holds the record for the oldest welterweight champion, when he beat Keith Thurman in 2019 to claim the WBA (Super) world title aged 40.

The WBC controversially reinstated Pacquiao into their rankings at number five last week as speculation about his return mounted.

The WBC president Mauricio Suliman defended the decision, saying: "Pacquiao has been licensed by Nevada and passed all medicals and as legendary WBC champion has been approved to fight by our organisation."

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