Manny Pacquiao, one of the greatest fighters of the last three decades, is scheduled to return to the boxing ring on July 19. He will face off against Mario Barrios, a rising champion, with the WBC welterweight title at stake.
Pacquiao is aiming to enhance his storied career by adding to his collection of titles, as Barrios’s championship will be on the line. After a lengthy hiatus from the sport, Pacquiao last fought professionally in August 2021, where he lost the WBA welterweight title to Yordenis Ugas, marking a comeback after over two years without a fight.
Even at 46, Pacquiao hopes to defy the odds by defeating the younger Barrios, who is 30 years old. If successful, it would set a record as the oldest fighter to win a welterweight title, a feat previously achieved by Pacquiao himself when he was 40.
Barrios aims for a landmark victory in his own career, having faced notable opponents, including a competitive match against Gervonta Davis where he lost via late TKO in 2021, and a wide decision loss to Keith Thurman the following year.
Barrios held the interim WBC belt before being recognized as the full champion, demonstrating his skills by retaining the title through a split draw against Abel Ramos.
Upcoming on the card is another anticipated rematch featuring Tim Tszyu facing Sebastian Fundora for Fundora’s WBC junior middleweight title, after Fundora’s split decision victory in a captivating bout in March 2024.
Here’s a closer look at the fight card and the current odds:
Fight Card and Odds
- Mario Barrios (c) -360 vs. Manny Pacquiao +235, WBC welterweight championship
- Tim Tszyu -165 vs. Sebastian Fundora (c) +120, WBC junior middleweight championship
- Isaac Cruz -590 vs. Angel Fierro +360, junior welterweights
- Brandon Figueroa -360 vs. Joet Gonzalez +240
Viewing Details for Barrios vs. Pacquiao
- Date: July 19
- Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas
- Start Time: 8:00 PM ET
- How to Watch: PBC on Prime PPV
Stay tuned for updates as fight week approaches!
