‘I’m back’: Pacquiao, 46, comes out of retirement with goal to ‘make history’ in boxing

‘I’m back’: Pacquiao, 46, comes out of retirement with goal to ‘make history’ in boxing

MANILA, May 22 — Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has confirmed he will come out of retirement at age 46 to challenge Mario Barrios for the American's WBC welterweight title.

World
World

MANILA, May 22 — Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has confirmed he will come out of retirement at age 46 to challenge Mario Barrios for the American's WBC welterweight title.

“I’m back,” Pacquiao announced on social media, following earlier reports that the fight is set for July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. “Let’s make history!”

A former champion in eight different weight divisions with 12 world titles to his name, Pacquiao hasn’t entered the ring since his points loss to Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas for the WBA welterweight belt in August 2021.

Under WBC rules, retired former champions are eligible to request a title shot upon their return to the sport.

Pacquiao’s professional record stands at 62 wins, 8 losses, 2 draws, and 39 knockouts. Since stepping away from boxing, he has been active in Philippine politics, including an unsuccessful run for the presidency.

Barrios, meanwhile, holds a 29-2-1 record with 18 knockouts. He retained his title last November after a draw against fellow American Abel Ramos. — AFP

At 46, Manny Pacquiao is coming out of retirement to challenge Mario Barrios for the American’s WBC welterweight title. — Picture by Mukhriz Hazim

Latest

January 23, 2026
Local
Local
Two foreign nationals in Johor have become the first individuals in Malaysia to be charged under the country’s newly introduced anti-littering law.

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — Two foreign nationals have become the first individuals in Malaysia to be charged in court for littering under the newly enforced anti-littering law, according to a report by The Star.

January 23, 2026
Local
Local
A document-forgery agent in Melaka has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after authorities uncovered a cache of counterfeit passports and forged UNHCR cards in his possession.

MELAKA, Jan 23 — A Myanmar national was sentenced yesterday to 13 years and seven months in prison by the Magistrate’s Court here after pleading guilty to 17 charges related to forged documents, including fake passports and counterfeit United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards.

January 22, 2026
World
World
Japan suspends nuclear reactor startup following alarm triggered during operations.

TOKYO, Jan 22 — Japan has halted the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant just hours after it began, though the reactor remains “stable,” the operator said.