Manny Pacquiao Vs. Mario Barrios, How To Watch And What's At Stake
Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring on Saturday, July 19 when he challenges WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios for his 147-pound title. Pacquiao, 46 is looking to turn back the clock and shake off the rust after last fighting professionally in August 2021.
Barrios, 30 will be making his second title defense after battling Abel Ramos to a draw in November 2024 on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson. Here's how you can watch the fight.
Here's a look at the Pacquiao-Barrios undercard, which is a really solid lineup of fights.
Pacquiao's return comes nearly three years after a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugás on August 21, 2021, at T-Mobile Arena. That fight was for the WBA (Super) welterweight title, and it seemed to mark the end of Pacquiao's long-standing relationship with Premier Boxing Champions. However, Saturday's fight will be a PBC event.
Shortly after the loss, Pacquiao officially announced his retirement from boxing in September 2021 to focus on his political career. He ran for president of the Philippines in 2022 but was unsuccessful, but he still remains active in politics in his home country.
Known for his speed, volume, and explosive footwork, Pacquiao is widely considered one of the greatest fighters of all time. He is boxing's only eight-division world champion, having won twelve major titles across weight classes ranging from flyweight to super welterweight.
His resume includes wins over the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Erik Morales, and Juan Manuel Márquez. Pacquiao compiled a record of 62 wins (39 by knockout), 8 losses, and 2 draws.
One may ask why he feels the need to climb back into the ring, but he isn't the first legend to attempt what some might call an ill-advised comeback, and he won't be the last.
Barrios enters the fight as the reigning WBC welterweight champion. He won the vacant interim title with a unanimous decision over Ugás on March 30, 2024. That bout, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, was a major career resurgence for Barrios, who previously held the WBA (Regular) super lightweight title from 2019 to 2021.
Barrios' record stands at 28 wins (18 by knockout), 2 losses, and 1 draw. It'll be interesting to see Gary Russell Jr. back in the ring. The oft-inactive but wildly talented former champion hasn't fought since January 2022 when he lost a majority decision to
Mark Magsayo.
At 37, we'll see how much Russell still has left in the tank.
That seems to be a theme of the event at the beginning and through the main event when Pacquiao epitomizes the concept against Barrios. Be on the lookout for fight week coverage as we move closer to Saturday night.
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