Boxing Legend Manny Pacquiao Roars Back at 46

Manny Pacquiao, the legendary Filipino boxer, has confirmed his return to the ring at the age of 46, nearly four years after his last professional bout.

Pacquiao is set to face WBC welterweight titleholder Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas.

“I’m back,” Pacquiao declared in a social media post. “Let’s make history.”

A victory would make him the oldest welterweight world champion in boxing history, a feat he previously achieved in 2019 when he defeated Keith Thurman at age 40.

The World Boxing Council (WBC) recently reinstated Pacquiao into its welterweight rankings at number five, sparking debate among fans and analysts.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman defended the decision, saying, “Pacquiao has been licensed by Nevada and passed all medicals and as legendary WBC champion has been approved to fight by our organisation.”

Pacquiao’s last fight was in August 2021, when he lost on points to Yordenis Ugas.

He retired shortly after with a career record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, including four welterweight world championships.

After stepping away from boxing, Pacquiao remained active in politics in the Philippines but recently failed in a bid to return to the country’s Senate.

VANGUARD