What's happened
On July 19, 2025, 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao returned to boxing after four years, fighting Mario Barrios to a majority draw at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Barrios retained his WBC welterweight title. Despite being outlanded, Pacquiao showed resilience and stamina, expressing interest in a rematch and continuing his comeback.
What's behind the headline?
Pacquiao's Comeback: Legacy vs. Reality
Manny Pacquiao's return to the ring at 46 is a testament to his enduring passion and competitive spirit, but it also highlights the complex balance between legacy preservation and physical risk. Despite a majority draw, Pacquiao demonstrated remarkable stamina and skill against a younger champion, Mario Barrios, defying expectations that age would diminish his performance drastically.
The Stakes and Risks
- Legacy: Pacquiao aims to cement his place as one of boxing's all-time greats, potentially adding a 13th world title.
- Health Concerns: Medical experts warn of increased dementia risk due to repeated head trauma, especially for aging fighters.
- Financial Incentives: The fight reportedly earned Pacquiao around $18 million, underscoring the lucrative nature of high-profile comebacks.
Impact on Boxing and Fans
Pacquiao's return reignited interest in boxing, particularly in the Philippines and Detroit, where boxing has deep roots. However, some critics question whether such comebacks benefit the sport or risk overshadowing emerging talent.
Future Outlook
Pacquiao's expressed desire for a rematch with Barrios suggests his comeback will continue, potentially influencing how aging athletes approach retirement and legacy. The boxing community will closely watch how he manages health risks while maintaining competitive relevance.
What the papers say
Jay Hilotin of Gulf News highlights Pacquiao's affectionate jab at Barrios as "that old man," yet acknowledges the Filipino icon's ability to defy age and expectations in a fight that ended in a draw. Hilotin details Pacquiao's extensive career earnings and political background, painting a full picture of his multifaceted life.
The South China Morning Post offers a more cautious perspective, quoting broadcaster Jim Lampley who questions the meaningfulness of the fight given Pacquiao's age and time away from boxing. It also raises medical concerns about the risks of brain injury for older fighters, citing expert Robert Cantu.
Al Jazeera provides a detailed account of the fight's scoring and Pacquiao's post-fight comments expressing a desire for a rematch and acknowledging Barrios' toughness. It also notes Pacquiao's recent induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Gulf News' Shyam A. Krishna emphasizes the financial success of the fight and Pacquiao's motivation driven by passion and the thrill of competition rather than just money. Meanwhile, AP News focuses on the fight's atmosphere in Detroit and the resurgence of boxing there, spotlighting Claressa Shields' undefeated record and influence.
Together, these sources offer a nuanced view of Pacquiao's comeback: a blend of admiration for his enduring skill and legacy, concern over health risks, and recognition of the commercial and cultural impact of his return to boxing.
How we got here
Manny Pacquiao, a Filipino boxing legend and former senator, retired in 2021 after a storied career with 12 world titles across eight weight divisions. At 46, he returned to the ring to challenge Mario Barrios, the 30-year-old WBC welterweight champion, aiming to extend his legacy despite health risks associated with age in boxing.
Go deeper
- What are the health risks for older boxers like Pacquiao?
- Will Pacquiao have a rematch with Mario Barrios?
- How has Pacquiao's comeback affected boxing's popularity?
Common question
-
Can Manny Pacquiao Still Win a World Title at 46?
Manny Pacquiao's return to the boxing ring at age 46 has sparked a lot of questions. After fighting WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in Las Vegas, many wonder if he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Is Pacquiao still competitive at his age? Can he make history by winning another world title? Here’s what you need to know about his comeback, his current form, and what the future might hold for this legendary boxer.
-
Will Pacquiao Fight Again? What His Return Means for Boxing Fans
Manny Pacquiao, at age 46, made a surprising return to the ring after a four-year break, fighting WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. The fight was close, and many fans are wondering if this signals more fights to come. In this page, we explore whether Pacquiao will fight again, how his recent match went, and what his comeback means for boxing's future. Keep reading to find out the answers to your most pressing questions about Pacquiao's return and the state of boxing today.
-
Is Manny Pacquiao Still Competitive at 46?
Manny Pacquiao's recent return to the boxing ring at age 46 has sparked widespread debate. Many wonder if he's still competitive against younger fighters, or if age has finally caught up with him. This page explores Pacquiao's performance, the challenges older boxers face, and what his comeback means for the sport. If you're curious about whether age is just a number in boxing, keep reading to find out more.
-
When Is It Time for Older Boxers to Retire?
Manny Pacquiao's recent return to the ring at age 46 has sparked a lively debate about aging in sports. While some see it as a testament to resilience and passion, others worry about the health risks involved. This page explores the risks of older athletes competing, examples of successful comebacks, how sports organizations decide when to retire athletes, and what Pacquiao's fight tells us about aging in boxing.
-
What Does Manny Pacquiao's Recent Draw Mean for His Boxing Future?
Manny Pacquiao's return to the ring after four years ended in a majority draw against Mario Barrios, sparking questions about his future in boxing. Fans and analysts are wondering what this result means for his career, his chances of fighting again, and how his comeback compares to his prime. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Pacquiao's latest fight and what might come next for the legendary boxer.
-
What Are the Biggest News Stories Today?
Stay updated with the top headlines shaping the world right now. From international conflicts and political trials to sports comebacks and legal cases, these stories are capturing global attention. Curious about how these events connect or what they mean for the future? Read on for quick, clear answers to your most pressing questions about today's news.
-
Did Manny Pacquiao Really Come Back to Boxing?
Manny Pacquiao, the legendary Filipino boxer, made a surprising return to the ring in July 2025 after four years away from professional boxing. At age 46, many wonder if this comeback is genuine or just a one-off event. Fans and critics alike are asking: did Pacquiao really come back, and what does this mean for his legacy? Below, we explore the details of his recent fight, his future plans, and what this comeback signifies for boxing fans worldwide.
-
Did Manny Pacquiao Really Return to Boxing After Four Years?
Manny Pacquiao, the legendary Filipino boxer, made a surprising comeback in 2025 after four years away from the ring. Fans and critics alike are curious about his return, the outcome of his latest fight, and what this means for his legacy. Below, we answer the most common questions about Pacquiao's comeback and what it signifies for boxing today.
-
What Are the Biggest News Stories Today?
Stay updated with the top headlines shaping the world right now. From sports comebacks and tech struggles to security crises and social media rumors, these stories are capturing attention worldwide. Curious about how these events connect or what’s coming next? Keep reading for clear, concise answers to your most pressing questions about today’s news.
More on these topics
-
Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao Sr. ( PAK-ee-ow; locally [ˈmanɪ pɐkˈjaʊ]; born December 17, 1978) is a Filipino professional boxer and retired politician. Nicknamed "PacMan", he is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional boxers of all time, be
-
Mario Thomas Barrios is an American professional boxer who held the WBA super lightweight title from 2019 to June 2021. As of July 2021, he is ranked as the world's ninth best active super lightweight by The Ring.
-
Las Vegas, officially the City of Las Vegas and often known simply as Vegas, is the 28th-most populated city in the United States, the most populated city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County.