Manny Pacquiao's most unexpected test with Mario Barrios will clarify his future: Last fight or the first of many more?

The legendary Manny Pacquiao is back. Four years after announcing his retirement, the Filipino will put the gloves back on to fight for the WBC welterweight championship against Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas. What is not yet clear is whether this is a final appearance to close his legacy with a flourish or the beginning of a second stage in his professional career.

The 46-year-old's return has reignited the conversation about his place in the sport's history. Pacquiao walked away from the ring in 2021 after losing a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas in a WBA super welterweight title fight. Since then, his name has always been swirling around rumors of a possible return, but now the announcement is official and has generated mixed reactions among fans and pundits.

Despite retirement, Pacquiao never really left boxing. He stayed close to the sport that changed his life while cementing his political career in the Philippines. He is currently running for a seat in the Senate, a position he previously held between 2016 and 2022, and his return to the ring is expected to be formalized after the May 12 elections, although the fight is already agreed.

Who is Mario Barrios, Manny Pacquiao's next opponent?

Barrios, his opponent, comes in with momentum of his own. The San Antonio, Texas, native (29-2-1, 18 KOs) is coming off a solid victory over Abel Ramos on the undercard of the fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson. He won his belt in September 2023 by defeating Ugas by decision, and was elevated to full champion in June 2024 after Terence Crawford was declared "champion in recess" after moving up in weight. In his history, he has only fallen to Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman.

Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the World Boxing Council, told Boxing King Media that they were already considering the possibility of Mario Barrios defending his title against Manny Pacquiao this summer. The idea gained momentum after the Filipino was given the green light by the Nevada State Athletic Commission to return to the ring. According to WBC rules, a former champion has the right to request a title fight if he decides to come out of retirement.

"At this time, Mario Barrios will face Manny Pacquiao in July. It's a tremendous fight," Sulaiman said.

In addition to the fight, Pacquiao will be inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in June, a distinction that reaffirms his legacy, while the question remains whether his return will be fleeting or the first of many fights.