Manny Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division champion, will face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title on July 19. The fight was officially announced in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao’s Recent Activity
- Pacquiao, 46, has not fought in nearly four years. His last bout was a loss by unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in August 2021.
- Before that fight, he had been inactive since January 2019.
Hall of Fame Induction
- Pacquiao is set to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 8. This honor is significant because only five men’s fighters have fought after being inducted into the IBHOF since Pacquiao became a professional boxer in January 1995.
- If Pacquiao beats Barrios, he will become the first fighter to win a world title as a Hall of Famer.
Pacquiao’s Motivation
"I always bring surprises to fans," said Pacquiao at a news conference. "I’m not taking this lightly." He hinted at his reasoning for coming back: "I’m coming back because it’s my passion… I really missed it." He also expressed his desire to make history by becoming the oldest fighter ever crowned welterweight champion.
WBC Rules and Rankings
According to WBC rules, former champions who come out of retirement are given an automatic shot at the current holder if they’re top-five ranked. As a result of these rules and his ranking as the fifth-best pound-for-pound fighter globally, Pacquiao secured his place as one of the top contenders for the title.
Signs of Decline
In recent years, there have been warning signs that suggest Pacquiao may be past his prime. These signs were evident in his fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. three years ago, where he lost by technical masterclass over five rounds. More recently, against Yordenis Ugas last summer, he appeared slow and unsure, a stark contrast to his previous performances.
Conclusion
"Let’s make history!" read his post on social media confirming that he would face Barrios on May 21, attempting to break another record by becoming the oldest fighter ever crowned welterweight champion, having previously achieved this against Keith Thurman at just under forty-one.
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