On a sunny July afternoon in Hollywood, a crowd gathers outside Nat Thai Food at Freddie Roach Square, hoping for more than a good meal. They’re waiting for Manny Pacquiao, the Philippines’ most iconic athlete and boxing’s only eight-division world champion. After four years away from the ring, Manny Pacquiao is return to boxing—and fans can’t wait to see him in action again.
“I’m coming back because boxing is my passion,” Pacquiao told ESPN. “It’s all I think about, and I really like to make history.”
At 46 years old, Pacquiao is set to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in Las Vegas on Saturday, in what could be the most improbable comeback of his storied career. Fans outside the restaurant hold gloves, posters, even babies—hoping for a glimpse of the eight-division world champion.
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Boxing is my passion… I like to make history.
Manny Pacquiao explained his motivation behind his highly anticipated return to the ring after a four-year retirement:
“I’m coming back because boxing is my passion… it’s all I think about. And I really like to make history.”
This isn’t just about another payday—Manny Pacquiao is return to boxing to chase legacy. If he defeats Mario Barrios, he will become the oldest welterweight champion in boxing history, surpassing his own record set at age 40 when he beat Keith Thurman in 2019.
Even more remarkably, Pacquiao would become the first fighter ever inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame to then return and fight for a world title—a historic feat never before accomplished in the sport.
Back to Where It All Started
Manny Pacquiao is return to boxing, and he’s doing it in the most meaningful way possible—by going back to where it all began. He has returned to Wild Card Gym, the iconic training ground where his career exploded onto the world stage in 2001. Under the guidance of legendary trainer Freddie Roach, Pacquiao shocked the boxing world by stepping in on short notice to defeat Lehlo Ledwaba, igniting his historic journey through eight weight divisions.
Roach still remembers that moment vividly:
“After just one round with Manny, I told my guys, ‘I have a new fighter!’ And Manny told his team, ‘We have a new trainer!’”
Now, 24 years later, Manny Pacquiao is back in that same gym—older, perhaps slower, but filled with the same fire and determination that once made him the most feared southpaw in boxing. His return isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about proving that passion and legacy still have a place in the ring.
A Comeback Full of Risk
If Pacquiao defeats Barrios, he will become the oldest welterweight world champion in boxing history, breaking the record he already set at age 40 by beating Keith Thurman in 2019.
Even more incredibly, he would be the first boxer in history to win a world title after being inducted into the Hall of Fame, which he joined in June 2025.
“My legs cramped. I couldn’t move. Ugas was the easiest opponent of my career, but I lost only because I couldn’t move like I wanted to.”
Despite that setback, Pacquiao believes he still has what it takes—especially after watching Barrios’ underwhelming performances in 2024. The WBC allows former champions to request title shots after retirement, which paved the way for this comeback.
Why Barrios?
Pacquiao specifically requested Mario Barrios as his comeback opponent after watching his unimpressive performances in 2024. Barrios, 30, is younger, stronger, and currently holds the WBC belt—but many believe his fighting style is perfect for Pacquiao.
“Barrios is tailor-made for Pacquiao,” said former opponent Chris Algieri. “He’s flat-footed, doesn’t vary his jab, and will trade punches.”
Still, Barrios isn’t backing down:
“I respect Pacquiao, but he’s trying to take my title,” Barrios said. “I have to stop him.”
The Blessing from Jinkee
Pacquiao’s comeback wouldn’t be possible without the approval of his wife, Jinkee Pacquiao, who has long urged him to retire—especially after his knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez in 2012.
But this time, she said yes.
“She could see the fire still in me,” Pacquiao said. “I told her I could beat Barrios, and she told me to prove it.”
Pacquiao’s Legacy: Built on Surprises
From 112 lbs to 154 lbs, Manny Pacquiao’s boxing legacy is a story of constant reinvention and defying expectations. He shocked the world by beating Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Oscar De La Hoya, and Miguel Cotto. He even humbled Father Time when he beat Thurman at 40.
Now, Manny Pacquiao is return to boxing once more—at the very same arena where many of his greatest moments happened: the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
“I love making history there,” Pacquiao said. “It’s a blessing from God.”
What Happens After Barrios?
Will this be Manny Pacquiao’s final bow? Or just the beginning of another unexpected chapter?
“I always leave it to God,” Pacquiao said. “But if my body feels strong after this fight…”
He trailed off, refusing to commit—but if history has taught us anything, it’s to never count out Manny Pacquiao.
Pacquiao Comeback Quick Facts:
| 🔑 Fact | 📌 Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 46 |
| Comeback Opponent | Mario Barrios (WBC Welterweight Champion) |
| Last Fight | Loss vs Yordenis Ugas (2021) |
| Retirement Duration | 4 years |
| Motivation | Passion, legacy, history-making |
| Training Location | Wild Card Boxing Gym, Los Angeles |
| Fight Date | July 2025 |
| Broadcast | Amazon Prime Video PPV / PPV.com |
| Potential Achievement | Oldest Welterweight World Champion, Post-HOF Win |
Read more:-
- Unsung Heroes: Top Boxing Trainers in the Philippines
- Grassroots Boxing sa Pilipinas: Paghahanap sa Susunod na Pacquiao
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Why is Manny Pacquiao returning to boxing at 46?
Manny Pacquiao is return to boxing because of his passion for the sport and his desire to make history one more time.
2.Who is Pacquiao fighting in his comeback match?
Manny Pacquiao is return to boxing to challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in Las Vegas.
3.What record could Pacquiao break with this fight?
If Manny Pacquiao is return to boxing results in victory, he will become the oldest welterweight world champion in history.
4. Has anyone ever returned to fight after being inducted into the Hall of Fame?
No—Manny Pacquiao is return to boxing makes him the first Hall of Famer to come back and compete for a world title.
5.Where is Pacquiao training for his comeback fight?
Manny Pacquiao is return to boxing by training at Wild Card Gym, where his U.S. boxing journey began in 2001.