2 days ago
Manny Pacquiao v Mario Barrios: WBC welterweight championship
Update:
Date: 2025-07-20T01:59:27.000Z
Title: Las Vegas has never shied away from a nostalgia act and tonight is no exception.
Content: Pacquiao, 46, bids for title after four-year retirement
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Bryan Armen Graham
Sun 20 Jul 2025 03.59 CEST
First published on Sun 20 Jul 2025 03.45 CEST
3.59am CEST
03:59
At 46 years old, Manny Pacquiao, one of boxing's most decorated and beloved champions, steps back into a professional ring for the first time in nearly four years, chasing one more title for a résumé overflowing with them.
He faces Mario Barrios, the 30-year-old WBC welterweight champion with youth, size and momentum on his side. It's a steep climb for the Filipino legend, who is giving up six inches in height, four inches in reach and more than a decade and a half in age. But this is the same Pacquiao who's made a career of overcoming odds. Eight divisions. Twelve major world titles. One Hall of Fame induction, just last month in Canastota, New York.
Can Pacquiao, who last tasted victory in 2019, still compete at the highest level? Or will Barrios, soft-spoken but confident, send the fighting senator into retirement once and for all?
The build-up has been respectful, almost reverent. Barrios, who held onto his title with a narrow split draw against Abel Ramos last fall, knows what he's up against: a southpaw whose rhythm was hard to replicate, whose footwork flummoxed, whose heart never really left the fight game. 'Manny is one of a kind,' he said. 'But I'm the champion now.'
Pacquiao, meanwhile, insists he's ready. 'The passion is still there,' he said this week. 'Even with the layoff, the fire to compete and be a champion again is still burning.' He's been training with the intensity of his younger years, sparring and running with the same monastic discipline that turned him into a global icon. The last time he fought at the MGM Grand, he outpointed the then-undefeated Keith Thurman in a modest upset. He's hoping history repeats.
Also on tonight's bill: a fiery rematch between Sebastian Fundora and Tim Tszyu in the super welterweight co-main. Their March meeting was one of the most gruesome and punishing contests of the year and the rematch promises no less.
So here we are. Pacquiao, back under the lights. Back in Vegas. Back for a belt. Time may be undefeated, but Pacman hasn't given up the fight. Stay with us for live round-by-round coverage, results and reaction as the night unfolds.
3.45am CEST
03:45
Bryan will be here shortly. In the meantime here's Donald McRae's report from the heavyweight happenings at Wembley a few hours ago.
