Pacquiao to come out of retirement, eyes Barrios’ title: reports
Manny Pacquiao to come out of retirement spread like wildfire on Thursday, as multiple reports said he is seeking Mario Barrios’ title.
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PACQUIAO TO COME OUT OF RETIREMENT, SEEKS WBC WELTERWEIGHT BELT VS BARRIOS IN JULY
Pacquiao to come out of retirement had multiple reports swirling online, as he seeks the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title belt against Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) on July 19.
Furthermore, the 46-year-old former senator will make a return to the ring since July last year when he fought to a draw at an exhibition match against Rukiya Anpo at Super RIZIN 3.
Moreover, the eight-division world champion has not fought officially since losing to Yordenis Ugas in 2021.
ESPN led multiple reports in unveiling the news.
The fight is set to be shown on PBC on Prime Video pay-per-view from Las Vegas.
The news comes after Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39KOs) is set to be inducted into the boxing Hall of Fame next month.
SULAIMAN GIVES WBC NOD TO PACQUIAO-BARRIOS FIGHT
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman apparently gave the nod for a possible Pacquiao-Barrios fight.
Moreover, the Sulaiman told Boxing King Media at the Canelo Alvarez-William Scull fight last week that there was a plan to stage a Pacquiao return.
Furthermore, the WBC was said to have rules.
It said that a former champion like Pacquiao can seek a title fight after coming out of retirement.
“At this time, Mario Barrios is going to face Manny Pacquiao in July,” Sulaiman said.
“That’s a tremendous fight,” he added.
‘PAC-MAN’ TO MAKE IT OFFICIAL AFTER MAY ELECTIONS
The boxer-turned-politician, who is also known as “Pac-Man” will make his return to the ring official reportedly after the May 12 elections in the Philippines, Brunch Boxing reported,
Furthermore, Pacquiao is seeking a comeback in the Philippine Senate.
Moreover, current surveys show that he is barely inside the “Magic 12” of possible winners.
Barrios took the interim WBC title from Ugas when he defeated him in September 2023.
The 29-year-old San Antonio native became full champion in June last year.
This came after Terence Crawford was designated as the WBC’s “champion in recess.”
Crawford then moved up to 154 pounds to face Israil Madrimov.
