Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is set to make a high-profile return to the ring, nearly four years after his last professional bout and fresh off a failed senatorial bid in the 2025 Philippine midterm elections.
The 46-year-old eight-division world champion arrived in Los Angeles on Monday (Manila time) alongside his family and team to prepare for a press conference this week, where he will officially announce a title fight against reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
Pacquiao’s comeback bout, slated for July in Las Vegas, marks his 73rd professional fight. His last official match was in August 2021, a unanimous decision loss to Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugas, which prompted his retirement from professional boxing. Since then, Pacquiao has kept active with a pair of exhibition fights—against South Korean vlogger DK Yoo in 2022 and Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo earlier this year.
Despite his hiatus, Pacquiao has secured a spot as the WBC’s No. 5-ranked contender, clearing the way for a legitimate shot at Barrios’ welterweight crown.
The 30-year-old Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs), a towering 5-foot-9 Mexican-American, poses a significant challenge with his youth, reach, and recent ring activity, compared to the veteran Pacquiao’s four-year competitive absence.
Social media videos circulating over the weekend showed Pacquiao back in training, hitting mitts and working the heavy bag—signs that he’s taking the upcoming fight seriously. There are reports Pacquiao may reunite with legendary coach Freddie Roach at the famed Wild Card Gym, though Roach’s camp has yet to confirm.
Before focusing fully on training, Pacquiao is expected to fly back to the Philippines briefly following the press event. He will then return to the US for his scheduled induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, set for early June in Canastota, New York, as a member of the Class of 2025.
