Manny Pacquiao, who hasn’t boxed since 2021, is exploring a comeback WBC welterweight title bout with Mario Barrios this fall, his representative Sean Gibbons told ESPN.
The outlet reported on the development Saturday, further stating that the bout could occur in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao, 45, is an eight-division champion, the sport’s only such winner. A former senator in the Philippines, he last competed in August of 2021, losing a decision to Yordenis Ugas. His last title victory came against Keith Thurman in 2019.
But Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) wants “to go out making history.”
Barrios (29-2, 18 KOs) defeated Ugas last September to claim the WBC interim welterweight title. It’s expected he’ll be elevated to champion before the proposed fight.
“I’m very excited at the possibility of this fight being made,” Barrios told ESPN. “Manny Pacquiao is a future Hall of Famer, a legend and someone I looked up to growing up. To share the ring with him would be an honor and a dream come true.”
–Field Level Media
