Manny Pacquiao will come out of retirement aged 46 to fight Mario Barrios for the American's WBC welterweight title, the legendary Filipino has confirmed.
"I'm back," Pacquiao wrote on social media, after reports earlier this month said that he will face Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
"Let's make history!"
Pacquiao, who won 12 world titles in eight different weight classes, has not fought since losing on points to Cuba's Yordenis Ugas for the WBA welterweight crown in August 2021.
On the third day of his training camp at Pan-Pacific Park in Los Angeles, Pacquiao's special guest his 24-year-old son Jimuel, who is expected to make his professional debut on the undercard of his father’s fight.
The elder Pacquiao said his initial focus was on cutting excess fat that slows him down, then gradually rebuilding muscle to regain his trademark power.
Jimuel admitted he was initially concerned when his father announced his comeback after four years away from the ring. But he said seeing the boxing icon up close during training gave him renewed confidence and that he felt like his father had turned back the clock.
Throughout the session, Pacquiao took time to coach his son — demonstrating proper footwork, head movement, and how to set up combinations. He said he was beginning to “download” the secrets of boxing to Jimuel, while being careful not to overwhelm him.
Watching from the sidelines was Pacquiao's wife Jinkee, who stood at the edge of the ring for nearly the entire session.
Pacquiao will face Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on July 19
The Filipino boxer earlier reunited with his former trainer Freddie Roach and cornerman Buboy Fernandez to boost his preparations for his upcoming fight.
WBC rules allow a former champion to request a world title fight when coming out of retirement.
Pacquiao has a career record of 62-8 with two draws and 39 knockouts.
He has been involved in politics since retiring from boxing and had an unsuccessful tilt at the presidency.
Barrios is 29-2 with one drawn and 18 knockouts and kept his title last November with a draw against fellow American Abel Ramos.