“I’m worried about my reputation”: Manny Pacquiao on his comeback fight against Mario Barrios

Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao was widely expected to return to the ring after a four-year hiatus—and now the former eight-division world champion has made it official.

Pacquiao took to social media to announce that he will come out of retirement to face World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios for the title in Las Vegas.

“I’m back. On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Let’s make history!” Pacquiao posted on X (formerly Twitter).

There are concerns about Pacquiao’s ability to compete with a fighter 16 years his junior, especially as he returns from a four-year absence and approaches his 47th birthday—he is currently 46 years old.

The Filipino icon told BBC Sport that he intends to make an extended return to boxing but admitted he’s concerned about protecting his legacy.

“I’m so excited for this fight because I want to prove to the fans that Manny Pacquiao is still here. And it’s nice to be back. I’m worried about my reputation. But I want to make sure I’m not the kind of fighter who comes back and fails to show what he once did,” Pacquiao said.

Boxing icon and former senator Manny Pacquiao arrives in Las Vegas on Tuesday, ahead of his fight against World Boxing Council welterweight champion Mario Barrios on Sunday, July 20, 2025 (Manila time). (Video by Abac Cordero/The Philippine STAR) pic.twitter.com/P5ywVvDhCg

— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) July 15, 2025

A win would mark Pacquiao’s 13th welterweight title—and his first since winning the WBO belt in 2009, when he defeated Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto via 12th-round technical knockout. It would also break his own record as the oldest welterweight champion in boxing history, a title he first claimed by defeating Keith Thurman in 2019 at age 40.

“I’m sure my coaching staff—Freddie Roach, Buboy Fernandez, and Justin Fortune—will tell me frankly if I no longer have that fire. But right now, they’re very happy with my passion, my training, my speed and power. The fire in my eyes, in my heart, is still there,” he added.

Pacquiao also emphasized that he wouldn’t have returned without his family’s support.

“I asked my family whether they agreed with me. If they didn’t, I wouldn’t have come back, because I respect and love my family. But they said, ‘Yes, you can fight. You still have that power and speed, and you’re dedicated.’ Because I’m a disciplined person,” Pacquiao concluded.

He has been training intensively for the fight and has reunited with longtime head trainer Freddie Roach. Given their legendary history, expectations are high.

bout was initially set for the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas but was moved to the MGM Grand Garden Arena due to a prior booking for a Lady Gaga concert.

The fight between Pacquiao and Barrios will reportedly be streamed via PBC on Prime Video Pay-Per-View.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.