Pacquiao vs. Barrios Fight - WBC Welterweight Championship Match
May 23, 2025
That's right guys! Pacquiao is back and now his challenging a much younger welterweight champion! He will be facing the 30 year old Mexican-American boxer, Mario Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, USA. It is come back match of the 46 year old boxer after his political bid in the Philippines.
PACQUIAO announced this event on his X social media account and people started talking about it.
The bright lights of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas are set to ignite once more on July 19, as boxing legend Manny "PacMan" Pacquiao makes a highly anticipated return from retirement to challenge the reigning WBC Welterweight Champion, Mario "El Azteca" Barrios. This intriguing bout promises to be a captivating showdown between a seasoned icon and a formidable, younger champion, vying for one of boxing's most prestigious titles.
Boxers Profiles and Achievements
Manny "PacMan" Pacquiao
Profile: At 46 years old, Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) is a name synonymous with boxing greatness. The Filipino southpaw is arguably one of the greatest fighters of all time, known for his relentless aggression, blinding speed, and incredible punching power. His rags-to-riches story, from humble beginnings in the Philippines to global superstardom and a decorated political career, has captivated millions.
Achievements: Pacquiao holds the unprecedented record of being the only boxer to win world championships in eight different weight divisions. He has claimed twelve major world titles across his illustrious career, including multiple reigns as welterweight champion. He is also the first boxer in history to win major world titles in four of boxing's "glamour divisions" (flyweight, featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight) and the first to become a four-decade world champion. His career has generated over 20 million pay-per-view buys and $1.3 billion in revenue, cementing his status as a major draw. He is set to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025 in June. His last fight was a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021 for the WBA Super World Welterweight title.
Mario "El Azteca" Barrios
Profile: Mario Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs), a 30-year-old Mexican-American, is the current WBC Welterweight Champion. Standing at 5'9½" with a 70-inch reach, Barrios is an orthodox fighter known for his strong jab, powerful right hand, and ability to pressure opponents. He ascended to the full WBC welterweight title in June 2024 after previously holding the interim belt and the WBA (Regular) super lightweight title.
Achievements: Barrios's notable achievements include winning the vacant WBA (Regular) super lightweight title in 2019 by defeating Batyr Akhmedov and the vacant WBC interim welterweight title in September 2023 by defeating Yordenis Ugas via unanimous decision. His last fight in November 2024 saw him retain his WBC welterweight title with a draw against Abel Ramos. He has shown resilience and a willingness to step up in competition, facing opponents like Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman.
Undercard Information
As of now, the undercard for the Pacquiao vs. Barrios fight has started to take shape, with one confirmed bout. Reports indicate that Jimuel Pacquiao, Manny's son, will make his professional debut on the undercard. This adds another layer of intrigue to the event, allowing fans to witness the next generation of the Pacquiao boxing lineage. Further details on additional undercard matchups are expected to be announced closer to fight night. (Source: YouTube - MANNY PACQUIAO TRAINS WITH HIS SON PACQUIAO JR., Yahoo Sports)
Fight Prediction Analysis: Experience vs. Youth
This welterweight championship clash presents a fascinating dynamic: the legendary, albeit older, offensive dynamo against the younger, robust, and currently active champion.
Pacquiao's Path to Victory:
Manny Pacquiao's greatest assets are his unparalleled experience, explosive combinations, and southpaw angles that can confuse orthodox fighters. His footwork, even at 46, remains exceptionally quick, allowing him to dart in and out, land punches, and avoid counters. For Pacquiao to win, he must:
Re-establish Ring Generalship: Despite his age, he needs to dictate the pace and rhythm of the fight.
Utilize Angles and Speed: His ability to attack from unexpected angles and his hand speed will be crucial in breaking through Barrios's guard.
Target the Body: A relentless body attack could wear down Barrios over the later rounds.
Manage Stamina: After a four-year layoff, his cardio will be a major question mark. He will need to fight smart, conserve energy, and pick his spots.
Barrios's Path to Victory:
Mario Barrios's youth, size, and consistent activity are significant advantages. He possesses a strong jab and a formidable right hand. His path to victory lies in:
Imposing His Size and Reach: Barrios has a slight reach advantage and will look to keep Pacquiao at the end of his punches.
Applying Consistent Pressure: He needs to deny Pacquiao space and time to unleash his flurries.
Targeting Pacquiao's Body and Legs: A sustained body attack combined with low kicks (if allowed in boxing, which they are not, but metaphorically speaking, attacking the lower body) can sap Pacquiao's legendary movement.
Capitalizing on Age: Barrios will likely aim to take Pacquiao into deep waters, hoping the years and the layoff will catch up to the "PacMan" in the championship rounds.
