Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) is set to fight for a world title this summer at the age of 46.
The Hall of Fame fighter first became a WBC world champion at flyweight in 1998, at the age of 19, and 27 years later, in 2025, he aims to retire as a WBC world champion.
The reigning WBC world welterweight champion Mario Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) is the “Pac-Man’s” intended target, who is likely to agree to a voluntary title defence to the eight-world champion in July, according to Mauricio Sulaiman.
Manny last fought in 2021, losing via unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas. Mario has fought six times since then, most recently fought to a split decision against Abel Ramos last November.
The World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman announced, “We have a rule that a fighter who has legendary status, who passes all of the medical examinations and is licenced by the local boxing commission, can be eligible to fight for the WBC title.
“Perhaps he should have not been ranked and just gone into the fight directly. It has caused confusion to some fans and media. But the explanation is very clear. He is a legend, one of the greatest fighters, he is medically fit and has been cleared to fight and has received a licence in Nevada. That is why the WBC is supporting this Voluntary Title defence by Mario Barrios.
“Manny called me and said that he wants to retire as WBC Champion. The WBC was the first title that he won, at flyweight. He then had incredible fights with Diaz, Morales, Margarito, Barrera, Marquez, The first Diamond Belt against Cotto. And so many great moments during his legendary career have been with the WBC and he wants the WBC as his farewell.”
Mauricio highlighted how Bernard Hopkins and George Foreman both continued to excel into their forties, but also praised Barrios as a very good champion, saying: “It’s going to be a great fight.”
San Antonio’s Barrios was elevated from WBC Interim to full welterweight champion after Terence Crawford moved up in weight. His maiden title defence ended in a stalemate, so the Texan has yet to earn his world title in the ring.
“El Azteca” is now 30-years-old and stands at six-feet-tall. He formerly held the WBA Regular super-lightweight title between 2019-2021. He lost the belt to Gervonta Davis in the 11th round in 2021, then was beaten again in his very next fight with Keith Thurman in 2022, on points.
“One-Time” Thurman is a shared opponent, as Pacquiao defeated the 36-year-old from Florida in 2019, which remains the only loss on his otherwise perfect record.
British boxer Amir Khan was one of many to voice their concerns on the potentially dangerous match-up, “I don’t know how much Manny’s got left in him. If they were in their prime, in their peak, then I’d say Manny Pacquiao [would win]. But this could be a tricky fight for Pacquiao.
“I think it will be a fantastic fight, but if I were to advise Manny I wouldn’t say to come back.
“But when you look at a young fighter, who’s still a fighter, who’s still boxing, who’s active, sometimes it’s dangerous.”
He added, “It’s a fantastic fight for Mario, he needs that big fight. He’ll be paid well and fighting a legend like Manny Pacquiao… who would say no to that? Mario deserves this fight because every fighter wants that big payday. It will be fantastic for him.”
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