Manny Pacquiao’s Historic Return to the Ring
Manny Pacquiao, the legendary Filipino boxer, is poised to make history once again as he prepares for his 73rd fight in the professional ring. Scheduled for July 19, Pacquiao will square off against Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title at the renowned MGM Grand in Las Vegas, a venue he holds dear.
Ambitions and Records
After a four-year hiatus from boxing, the 46-year-old fighter expressed a strong desire not just to return, but to contest for a world title right away—a goal that Barrios readily accepted. This matchup has the potential for Pacquiao to set a new record as the oldest welterweight champion by surpassing his previous mark, which he established in 2019 at the age of 40 when he triumphed over Keith Thurman.
However, there’s more at stake for Pacquiao. In December 2024, he was named a first-ballot inductee to the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF), making him eligible to become the first active Hall of Famer to capture a world title. Such a feat would be historic and fitting for a fighter of his caliber.
Pacquiao’s Reflections
Reflecting on his recent honor and his ambitions, Pacquiao stated, “Being in the Hall of Fame this year means a lot to me. It’s a significant honor, and I am deeply grateful to my fans and supporters. My aim is to set the record as the oldest champion while retiring with a title, which makes this upcoming fight incredibly meaningful. I could be the first Hall of Famer to achieve this milestone, alongside breaking my own record as the oldest welterweight world champion.”
With the upcoming bout, Pacquiao not only seeks to further engrave his name in boxing history but also aims to inspire others with his quest for continued greatness.
