Mario Barrios vs Manny Pacquiao will headline a July 19 card at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. It will top a PBC on Prime Video pay-per-view, with Barrios defending his WBC welterweight title. As the date approaches, betting markets are expected to heat up, with some fans turning to the Wanted Dead or a Wild slot to boost their fight night excitement. Looking ahead to July 19, let’s explore some key points ahead of Pacquiao’s return.
Mario Barrios vs Manny Pacquiao Set for July 19 in Las Vegas
Pacquiao to Return at 46
The return of Pacquiao at 46 has been a huge talking point in the world of boxing, with some believing despite his achievements, he should not be returning to professional boxing in his mid-forties.
The rumoured world title fight against Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) was the worst-kept secret in boxing before Pacquiao announced on his X account: “I’m back. On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.”
“Pac Man” has reunited with the legendary Freddie Roach for this comeback fight and will be eager to improve on his poor showing against kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in the July 2024 exhibition.
Sean Gibbons, the president of Pacquiao’s MP Promotions recently revealed to Dan Rafael at Fight Freaks Unite about the reunion of Pacquaio and Roach: “They haven’t seen each other in four years and Manny walked into the gym and Freddie was there and there were big smiles and big hugs.”
“They chatted for a few minutes and went to work like they hadn’t missed a day. It was like a time warp. Nobody missed a beat. It was like, ‘We’re back, we’re working, and we have a fight to prepare for.’”
In addition to reuniting with Roach, he has also brought back assistant trainers Marvin Somodio and Buyboy Fernandez, along with longtime publicist and Hall of Famer Fred Sternburg.
The Filipino legend is the only boxer to win world championships in a record eight weight divisions.
Mario Barrios vs Manny Pacquiao
Standing between Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) and another world title is the current WBC champion Barrios. He is undoubtedly the younger man and has, importantly, been more active in recent years. Since his defeat to Keith Thurman, he has won three and drawn one. Barrios is dangerous and packs a punch, but the key is how much of the old magic can “Pac Man” reproduce after being away from professional boxing for four years.
Coming back at 46 years old and winning a world title after four years out of the ring would be a huge achievement for Pac Man, who, in his prime, would have been a clear favourite against Barrios. That’s no slight on Barrios, a tough fighter who carries plenty of power. Can Pacquiao roll back the years at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, or will it be proven that Father Time waits for no man?
Mario Barrios vs Manny Pacquiao Undercard
Sebastian Fundora vs. Tim Tszyu, rematch, 12 rounds, for Fundora’s WBC super welterweight title
Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Angel Fierro, rematch, 10 or 12 rounds, super lightweights
Brandon Figueroa vs. Joet Gonzalez, 10 rounds, featherweights
