The boxing world watched closely on July 19, 2025, as Manny “Pac‑Man” Pacquiao, aged 46, returned to the ring against Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This was a huge moment because Pacquiao came back after nearly four years away from boxing to try to win the WBC welterweight title .
Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios
Why Is This Battle Such a Big Deal?
Pacquiao’s age: He’s 46, and one of the oldest fighters to compete for a top title .
Barrios is younger: 30-year-old Mario Barrios is a tall, hard-hitting champion with a 29–2–1 record .
Historic rival: Pacquiao has held titles in eight weight divisions, making him one of the most decorated fighters in history.
Pacquiao’s return mission: He aims to prove age has not caught up with him and become part of boxing history again .
When and Where Was the Fight?
Fight name: Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios
Date: July 19, 2025
Venue: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Title: WBC welterweight championship .
The main card featured other heavyweights such as Sebastian Fundora vs Tim Tszyu and Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois .
What Transpired in the Ring?
Pacquiao vs Barrios fight: The fight was close. Pacquiao, being older, utilized his speed and heart to remain in the fight. The unofficial scorecard by The Guardian indicated Pacquiao ahead at nine rounds, 87–84 .
Mario Barrios strategy: Barrios employed his height and reach to good effect, utilizing his jab and attempting to dictate the pace.
Sebastian Fundora vs Tim Tszyu: Fundora defeated Tszyu by TKO in round 7 when Tszyu was unable to continue.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois: Usyk delivered a dominant KO in round 5 to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Why Everyone Is Talking About It
- Legend’s return: Pacquiao hadn’t fought since 2021. Fans were eagerly waiting for his return.
- Age vs youth: Inspirational to see a 46-year-old boxer fight his younger self .
- Big title fight: The WBC welterweight title was at stake—one of the biggest titles in boxing .
- Thrilling undercard: Usyk-Dubois and Fundora-Tszyu had to provide edge-of-the-seat drama to make the night unforgettable .
When to Watch
The event was live streamed on Amazon Prime Video PPV with the bout beginning approx. 8:00 PM ET .
Pacquiao vs Barrios Stats
Fighter Age Height Record KOs
Manny Pacquiao 46 5′5½″ 62‑8‑2 39
Mario Barrios 30 6′0″ 29‑2‑1 18
Pacquiao is widely recognized as Manny “Pac‑Man”, a southpaw legend .
Barrios box as an orthodox champion & held interim title before winning WBC champion in 2023 .
Conclusion
Pacquiao vs Barrios was not only a bout of boxing—it was history unfolding. Pacquiao gained respect for his courageous return, while Barrios proved he could hold his own against a legend.
And then there were the undercard bouts that had fans stuck to their screens with high drama and big victories by Fundora and Usyk.
For boxing fans, this evening was one not to forget. Whether you watched to witness Pacquiao’s comeback, Barrios’s aggression, or Usyk’s supremacy, July 19 was an evening to remember.