MANNY PACQUIAO ENDS RETIREMENT TO FIGHT MARIO BARRIOS FOR WBC WELTERWEIGHT BELT ON JULY 19

Boxing legend aims to reclaim glory against younger champion.

Manny Pacquiao - Image via @mannypacquiao Instagram

Manny Pacquiao shocked the boxing world by announcing his comeback from a four-year retirement to battle Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship. The clash, scheduled for July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas, marks a daring move for the 46-year-old icon

Pacquiao, the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, holds a 62-8-2 record with 39 knockouts. His last professional bout, a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021, prompted his retirement a month later.

Barrios, the reigning WBC welterweight king, boasts a 29-2-1 record with 18 knockouts. At 29, he claimed the full belt in May 2024 after Terence Crawford vacated it, following a draw against Abel Ramos in November 2024

ESPN and WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed the fight, which will stream on PBC’s Prime Video pay-per-view. Sulaiman praised the matchup, noting Pacquiao’s approval by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Pacquiao’s career includes victories over Keith Thurman, Oscar De La Hoya, and Miguel Cotto. His 2015 defeat to Floyd Mayweather remains the highest-grossing boxing event, generating over $600 million

Barrios, from San Antonio, recovered from losses to Gervonta Davis and Thurman with three wins and a draw. His unanimous decision over Ugas in 2023 earned him the interim WBC belt.

The bout will likely occur at MGM Grand Garden Arena, as T-Mobile Arena faces scheduling conflicts with Lady Gaga’s tour. Pacquiao won his first major belt at MGM Grand in 2001 against Lehlohonolo Ledwaba.

Pacquiao’s revival aligns with his Senate campaign in the Philippines, with elections set for May 12, 2025. He served as a senator from 2016 to 2022 and seeks to reclaim a seat.

Pacquiao’s Comeback Faces High Stakes

At 46, Pacquiao faces a 17-year age gap with Barrios, raising questions about his ability to compete. Older boxers often struggle with speed and endurance, yet Pacquiao remains confident in his skills.

In July 2024, Pacquiao faced kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in a three-round exhibition, ending in a draw. The taller, younger Anpo tested his reflexes, preparing him for Barrios’ aggressive style.

Pacquiao told ESPN in 2024, “I made history at 40 beating Keith Thurman and I feel at 45, I have a lot left in the game.” His belief fuels his chase for a ninth division belt.

The WBC permits former champions like Pacquiao to request belt shots upon returning. Some criticize this, arguing he’s bypassing contenders like Devin Haney, which frustrates rising boxers.

X posts reflect excitement for Pacquiao’s return, with one user hailing him as a “top 10 boxer” of recent decades. Others express concern that Barrios’ power could overwhelm the aging star.

Pacquiao’s Hall of Fame induction on June 8, 2025, adds weight to his comeback. A victory would make him the oldest welterweight champion, breaking his own record set at 40

Critics, including DAZN, warn Pacquiao risks his legacy and health against a prime Barrios. They highlight his last knockout win in 2018, suggesting a decline in finishing power.

The boxing community eagerly awaits Pacquiao’s next chapter, as he juggles politics and a historic belt pursuit. His showdown with Barrios will test if his talent can outshine time.

- Jake Blend

WBC EXPELS BOXING STAR RYAN GARCIA AFTER RACIAL SLUR

Super lightweight boxer Ryan Garcia speaks during a news conference at the MGM Grand on April 20, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP)

 The WBC has expelled boxing star Ryan Garcia from any activity with the organization after he repeatedly used racial slurs against Black people and disparaged Muslims in comments livestreamed on social media.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman announced the penalty Thursday on the social media platform X.

"We reject any form of discrimination," Sulaiman wrote. "I fear for Ryan well being as he has declined multiple attempts for our help with mental health and substance abuse."

It wasn't immediately clear what sanctions the WBC would take against Garcia, who is serving a one-year suspension from the New York State Athletic Commission after a positive test for the performance-enhancing drug ostarine. That suspension is retroactive to Garcia's April 20 decision victory over Devin Haney, which was overturned to a no-contest.

Garcia posted an apology of sorts on X.

"I was trolling I want all the killing to stop," Garcia wrote. "I love everyone sorry if I offended you."

It has been a tumultuous year for Garcia, 25, who was arrested on felony vandalism charges last month after a Beverly Hills hotel accused him of causing an estimated $15,000 in damage.

In a statement released after the WBC announced its penalty, Garcia's family addressed his recent troubling behavior as well as his social media remarks, stating that they "do not align with his, or our family's, true character or beliefs."

"Our family unequivocally does not support any statements [Garcia] has made regarding race or religion -- these do not reflect who Ryan truly is and how he was raised," the family's statement read. "Those who know Ryan can attest to this fact. Ryan has been open about his ongoing struggle with mental health over the years and as a family we are committed to ensuring and encouraging that he receives the necessary help to navigate this very challenging time and address both his immediate and long-term well-being."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

- ESPN News Services

BOXING GREAT ROBERTO DURAH RECEIVING CARE FOR HEART PROBLEM

 PANAMA CITY, Panama -- Boxing great Roberto Duran, 72, was receiving medical care for a heart problem, his family said Saturday.

Duran, who was a champion in four different weight classes, "has suffered a health complication due to an atrioventricular blockade," his family said in a statement on Duran's Instagram account.

"We are waiting for results so that we can provide more information on his health," the statement continued. "We thank our relatives, friends and all of his supporters who are praying for him."

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a social media post that Duran was being treated in a hospital in his native Panama.

"His family is joined by the world in prayers for his successful and prompt recovery, he is a champion and will win this fight," Sulaiman said in the post on X.