BOXING RUMORS: Pacquiao-Barrios WBC title fight set to take place this year

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

A Manny Pacquiao professional boxing comeback in a title fight?

Is this true?

Who could’ve imagined that boxing’s only eight-division world champion would return to the pro scene once again and attempt to break his own record as the oldest to wear a welterweight title belt?

According to multiple sources, Pacquiao, now a retired boxer, will be fighting the current World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios this year, preferably, in the fall season of the United States.

Several reports already surfaced last month that Pacquiao showed interest in fighting Barrios but on July 24, 2024, it was confirmed that both camps already agreed for the mega bout.

Furthermore, the WBC governing body also approved of the fight, and is targeting this year to treat the thousands of boxing fans, especially the PHL fan base.

Boxing sports media outlet Boxing Scene added that Barrios’ trainer, Bob Santos, already announced that they are already all set to face Pacquiao.

“The fight is very realistic. Very realistic. Manny wants the fight, we want the fight, and the WBC has already said they would approve the fight,” said Santos.

On the other hand, Sean Gibbons, the president of the Manny Pacquiao (MP) Promotions, said that after his fight with Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo, they will go straight to negotiations regarding the final contract clauses and terms of the fight.

“Over the next month or so, we’ll either be able to make the fight or won’t. It’s very important to get a fight in by December. This is a very important time right now. We have a very short window,” said Gibbons.

Since taking down Keith Thurman last 2019, Pacquaio has yet to clinch a professional boxing win, losing his last fight against Yordenis Ugas which led to his decision to retire from the sport.

Meanwhile, Barrios is looking to continue his momentum after winning his last two fights, one against Ugas and the latest against Fabian Andres Maidana for the WBC Interim welterweight belt.

“Manny is like a fine bottle of wine and getting better and better as he ages. He hasn’t lost his speed, power or passion. He loves to fight. If I didn’t think he could fight at the highest level, I would advise him against it and to do something else,” added Gibbons.