Manny Pacquiao is considering coming out of retirement to face WBC interim welterweight champion Mario Barrios. According to Salvador Rodriguez of ESPN, Pacquiao is “exploring a fight with Mario Barrios.” This potential matchup is risky for Pacquiao, as the 29-year-old Barrios (29-2, 18 KOs) is currently performing at a high level and is regarded as one of the top fighters in the welterweight division.
If this fight happens, it would mark the 45-year-old Pacquiao’s first bout since his twelve-round unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas on August 21, 2021. In that fight, Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) struggled against Ugas’ lead right hands, unable to generate enough offense to secure a win. After the loss, Pacquiao attributed his performance to calf cramps that hindered his mobility. Since then, Pacquiao has not returned to the ring.
Mario Barrios secured a significant victory over Yordenis Ugas (27-6, 12 KOs) by twelve-round unanimous decision on September 30, 2023, knocking Ugas down in the second and twelfth rounds. In his most recent fight, Barrios defeated Fabian Maidana by a twelve-round unanimous decision on May 4.
The current WBC 147-lb belt-holder, Terence Crawford, has been given the ‘Champion in recess’ designation by the World Boxing Council due to his move up to 154 lbs to pursue the WBA junior middleweight title against Israil Madrimov on August 3. Crawford is not expected to return to the 147-lb division.
Some fans suggest that if Pacquiao took a few tune-up fights against lower-ranked contenders and performed well, he would stand a better chance against Barrios. However, given that Pacquiao has been out of the ring for three years since his loss to Ugas, the odds do not appear favorable for the soon-to-be 46-year-old Filipino legend. Barrios, on the other hand, is at the peak of his career and could pose a significant threat to Pacquiao.
Fans on social media have questioned Pacquiao’s decision to come out of retirement, speculating that financial needs might be a motivating factor. Despite these speculations, Pacquiao’s net worth is estimated at $220 million according to Celebrity Net Worth.
As the boxing community awaits further developments, the prospect of Pacquiao returning to the ring against a formidable opponent like Barrios has generated significant interest and debate. Only time will tell if this match will come to fruition and what impact it will have on Pacquiao’s storied career.
