MANILA. Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is set to make a stunning comeback to the ring this July, as he prepares to face reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, just hours after conceding defeat in his latest bid for a seat in the Philippine Senate.
Pacquiao’s camp confirmed the news in a statement released on Thursday, marking the 46-year-old fighter’s return to professional boxing nearly four years after announcing his retirement in 2021.
“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 Filipinos,” the statement read.
The upcoming match is set to take place in Las Vegas, although the final venue has yet to be announced. Whether this will be a one-off fight or the beginning of a full-scale return to boxing remains unclear. Asked for clarification, Pacquiao’s communications officer Joey Hernal, said that details will be confirmed at Pacquiao’s own press conference.
Despite falling short in the 2025 midterm elections, where he placed 18th, well outside the winning circle of 12 senatorial seats, Pacquiao expressed gratitude and resilience in a separate statement to his supporters.
“I may not have won in my run for the Senate, but I am totally grateful for each vote, each prayer and support,” Pacquiao said in Filipino. He also acknowledged those who did not vote for him, saying, “you were part of the process to strengthen our democracy.”
He added: “The fight continues. Service continues. For God. For the country. For each Filipino.”
Pacquiao previously served as a senator from 2016 to 2022 and ran for president in 2022, where he also failed to win. His return to boxing comes at a symbolic moment, as he is set to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York next month, a recognition of his legendary status as the only boxer in history to win world titles in eight weight divisions, from flyweight to super welterweight.
He retired in 2021 with a professional record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, including 39 knockouts.
His opponent, Mario Barrios, retained the WBC welterweight belt with a draw against Abel Ramos in November last year in Arlington, Texas.
Pacquiao’s return is expected to spark excitement among boxing fans around the world and reignite pride among Filipinos who have long regarded him as a national hero.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
