Pacquiao Returned From Hall of Fame Honors to Push Barrios
Manny Pacquiao returned to a world-title ring at forty-six on July 19, 2025, drawing with Mario Barrios in Las Vegas. The majority verdict at MGM Grand Garden Arena left the WBC welterweight championship with Barrios after twelve rounds.
The comeback followed recognition of an extraordinary career
Pacquiao had been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 8 in Canastota, New York. Just weeks later, he challenged an active world champion rather than limiting his return to an exhibition.
His previous professional appearance had come against Yordenis Ugás in August 2021, ending in a unanimous-decision defeat. The Barrios contest therefore followed almost four years away from official competition.
A long championship history framed the attempt
Pacquiao’s first world title came at flyweight in December 1998, when he stopped Chatchai Sasakul. His career eventually brought championships across eight weight divisions.
At welterweight, he had defeated Keith Thurman by split decision in July 2019 at the same Las Vegas venue. That victory helped make another title attempt at his advanced fighting age especially compelling.
The scorecards left the champion in place
Two judges scored the Barrios fight 114–114, while the third returned 115–113 for the defending champion. Pacquiao remained competitive through the distance but did not secure another belt.
He said afterward that he believed he had won, while Barrios praised his stamina and timing. The draw added another championship-level performance to Pacquiao’s record after his Hall of Fame induction, even though the comeback did not produce the historic title victory he sought.
Sources
- WBC: June 8 Hall of Fame induction
- PBC: Ugás layoff, first world title and Thurman victory
- Reuters: age, final verdict and post-fight reactions
- Nevada commission: official result and venue
