Manny Pacquiao believes he has “two or three fights” remaining as he aims for the WBC welterweight world title against Mario Barrios. Scheduled for July 19, 2025, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, this matchup comes after the WBC controversially granted Pacquiao another shot at the title in his comeback.
At 46, Pacquiao, returning from a four-year hiatus, is on a mission to reclaim his title and make history as the oldest welterweight champion ever in boxing. The former senator and presidential candidate from the Philippines hasn’t tasted victory since facing Keith Thurman in 2019, with his last match resulting in a loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021.
Following a disappointing bid to return to the Philippine Senate—where he finished 18th in the recent midterm election—Pacquiao confirmed that he would once again step into the ring. “This fight is pivotal for me as it marks a significant moment in history. Winning this title would make me the first Hall of Famer to reclaim a world title and break my own record,” he stated, expressing confidence that he still possesses the strength and speed necessary for competition.
Despite past distractions leading into his previous fight, Pacquiao shared that he is now fully focused and committed to his training. “I’m feeling fast and strong. My team is working hard to ensure I balance pushing myself with adequate rest,” he added, optimistic about continuing to fight for the next couple of years, albeit taking it one bout at a time.
Interestingly, Conor Benn is poised to challenge the winner of the Pacquiao-Barrios matchup. After losing to Chris Eubank Jr. at middleweight, Benn is expected to face Eubank again later this year, but that won’t eliminate his eligibility to contest the WBC belt at 147 pounds.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman commented on Benn’s potential, noting, “He is ranked by the WBC, and it’s ultimately up to him. If he’s pursuing a rematch, it may delay any challenge for the WBC title.”