Fundora vs Tszyu 2: Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is coming out of retirement at age 46 to fight Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title on July 19 in Las Vegas, as confirmed by sources to The Ring.
Pacquiao hasn’t fought in almost four years since losing to Yordenis Ugas. He’s considered one of the greatest boxers in history and is the only fighter to win world titles in eight different weight classes, from 108 to 154 pounds.
His most recent appearance in the ring was in an exhibition match in South Korea in December 2022, where he didn’t look like the powerful fighter fans remember.
Pacquiao, with a record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws (39 by knockout), has retired several times but often comes back. His last major win came in 2019 when he defeated Keith Thurman in a great performance.
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If he wins this time, Pacquiao could become the second-oldest world champion in boxing history at 46 years old, beating George Foreman’s record when he won the heavyweight title at 45. Pacquiao already became the fourth-oldest to win a title when he beat Thurman. Bernard Hopkins still holds the record as the oldest, winning at 49.
His opponent, Mario Barrios, is 30 years old, giving him a big age advantage. Barrios is currently ranked No. 3 at welterweight by The Ring. He has a record of 29 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with 18 knockouts. His last fight ended in a draw against Abel Ramos in November. Barrios has also lost to top fighters Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman.
This fight has been in planning for nearly a year. Pacquiao said last June, “I made history at 40 by beating Thurman, and now at 45, I believe I still have more to give. I haven’t taken much damage in recent years and I want to end my career by making more history.”
Barrios said back then, “I’m very excited. Manny Pacquiao is a legend, someone I’ve always admired. Fighting him would be a dream come true.”
Also on the fight card is a big rematch between Sebastian Fundora and Tim Tszyu for the junior middleweight title. Fundora beat Tszyu in an exciting match in March. Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will also fight on the undercard, possibly in a rematch against Angel Fierro, whom he beat earlier this year.
