The last time Manny Pacquiao stepped inside the boxing ring to compete was August 2021 and he was almost 43 years old.
Now, the former eight-division world champion is set to try and show he still has it against a new titleholder.
Pacquiao, 46 years old, returns on July 19 to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. The event takes place from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and airs on PBC pay-per-view.
“Boxing is my passion,” Pacquiao said during a recent media event. “I’ve missed the sport. These last four years have been good for my body because I’ve been doing this a long time. I feel like my passion and fire is back, and you can see it in my work.”
In his last appearance, Pacquiao lost to Yordenis Ugas by decision for the WBA (super) welterweight championship. He last held a WBC belt in 2010 when he captured the super welterweight crown.
While it will be just a day short of six years since Pacquiao last won a fight when he steps in to meet Barrios, the legend has himself prepared to see his hand raised.
“This fight is very important to me because it’s history,” Pacquiao said. “I believe I’d be the first Hall of Famer to win another world title, and I’d also break my own record as the oldest welterweight world champion.
“I’ve made adjustments in training camp to make sure I’m focused on recovery. I’m back now, so I’m taking it one fight at a time and doing everything I can to face the challenge in front of me. I’m not worried about any future plans.”
Pacquiao’s last win came on July 20, 2019 when he earned a split decision over Keith Thurman for the WBA (super) welterweight championship.
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