Manny Pacquiao hasn’t thrown a punch in the boxing ring in four years — but that may be about to change.
After falling short in his 2025 Senate bid, the former boxing champion is stepping out of retirement for a showdown with welterweight title holder Mario Barrios.
“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,” Pacquiao’s team announced in a press statement released on May 15, hours after the ex-senator conceded defeat in a bid for another shot at the Senate.
The fight between 46-year-old Pacquiao and 29-year-old Barrios is set to take place this July in Las Vegas, where they will be competing for the WBC welterweight title. Pacquiao’s last fight was back in 2021 against Cuban welterweight boxer Yordenis Ugas, also for the same title: Pacquiao lost in a unanimous 12-round match.
Pacquiao is also joining Netflix reality competition series Physical: Asia, representing the Philippines. The show is a spin-off of the internationally acclaimed series Physical: 100, which sees 100 contestants compete in a series of physically gruelling challenges until there is only one contender left standing.
“Tuloy ang laban,” Pacquiao said in a statement as he conceded defeat in the Senate race. “Tuloy ang serbisyo. Para sa Diyos. Para sa bayan. Para sa bawat Pilipino.”
