• Manny Pacquiao tries to wrest the WBC welterweight crown from champion Mario Barrios when the two face off in a world title bout on Sunday, July 20 (PH time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • Inquirer Sports’ Mark Giongco is reporting live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
rweight title fight with Mario Barrios ending in a majority draw at MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Manny Pacquiao during his WBC welterweight title fight with Mario Barrios ending in a majority draw at MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Harry How/Getty Images/AFP

LAS VEGAS–If it were up to Sean Gibbons, Manny Pacquiao’s next fight would be against either Rolly Romero or Gervonta Davis.

All signs may point to a rematch between Pacquiao and WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios after the two battled to a majority draw Saturday night. Both are expressing their interest in running it back.

But Gibbons, Pacquiao’s right-hand man and president of MP Promotions, thinks the Filipino legend should move on to a different opponent.

Mario Barrios, left, fights Manny Pacquiao in a welterweight title boxing match Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas. (

Mario Barrios, left, fights Manny Pacquiao in a welterweight title boxing match Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

LAS VEGAS–Manny Pacquiao felt he did enough for a triumphant ring return four years after retirement.

To his defense, the fight could’ve gone either way. Unfortunately for Pacquiao, it was Mario Barrios who got the nod. Barely.

Barrios retained the WBC welterweight belt by majority decision for the second consecutive time Saturday night before a raucous crowd at MGM Grand Arena here.

Mario Barrios, left, and Manny Pacquiao reacts after fighting to a majority draw in a welterweight title boxing match Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas

Mario Barrios, left, and Manny Pacquiao reacts after fighting to a majority draw in a welterweight title boxing match Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

LAS VEGAS–Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios hugged it out after a world title fight that was too close to call.

That may not be the last time Pacquiao and Barrios would share the ring, as both expressed their interest to run it back.

LIVE: Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios – WBC welterweight title fight

“Of course I’d like a rematch. I want to leave a legacy and make the Filipino people proud,” Pacquiao said after coming up in his bid to make history.

Mario Barrios, left, fights Manny Pacquiao in a welterweight title boxing match Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas.

Mario Barrios, left, fights Manny Pacquiao in a welterweight title boxing match Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

LAS VEGAS–Mario Barrios held off a battling Manny Pacquiao to retain his WBC world welterweight crown with a fight ruled a majority draw on Saturday.

Barrios, 30, held onto his belt despite being dominated by Filipino icon Pacquiao, 46, for several rounds.

LIVE UPDATES: Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios

  • Pacquiao: I thought I won the fight. It was a close fight.
  • Manny Pacquiao comes up short as Mario Barrios keeps his belt by majority draw.
  • Did Pacquiao do enough to get the historic win?
  • Anxious moments as we wait for the scorecards.
  • Crowd on their feet. Fight goes the distance!
  • Final round coming up. This is it! Sense of urgency for Barrios.
  • Pacquiao looking good through 10 rounds. Not bad for a 46-year-old coming off a long layoff.
  • Championship rounds!
  • Close bout so far as round 9 gets underway. Pacquiao on the attack to open the ninth.
  • Crowd erupts as Pacquiao gets the better of the exchanges to end the eighth.
  • Heading into round 8, interesting to see what condition Pacquiao has as the fight goes deeper.
  • Halfway through the bout. Pacquiao gets into a groove in the sixth.
  • Round 6: Pacquiao having success so far, penetrating Barrios’ defense.’
Mario Barrios, left, fights Manny Pacquiao in a welterweight title boxing match Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas.

Mario Barrios, left, fights Manny Pacquiao in a welterweight title boxing match Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

  • Pacquiao ends round 5 strong, tagging Barrios with a left.
  • Barrios anticipating Pacquiao’s left, snaps Pacquiao’s head back with a jab.
  • Round 5: Pacquiao unloads combinations.
  • Pacquiao again complains about a low blow. Barrrios is controlling the fight so far with his jab.
  • Entertaining action to the third. Both fighters smiling before heading to their corners.
  • Pacquiao tells the ref Barrios’ shot was too low. Both fighters touch gloves.
Mario Barrios, left, fights Manny Pacquiao in a welterweight title boxing match Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas.

Mario Barrios, left, fights Manny Pacquiao in a welterweight title boxing match Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

  • Pacquiao lands a shot to the body that backs up Barrios.
  • Both fighters treading carefully. Barrios wary of Pacquiao’s power still.
  • Barrios takes the second round. His jabs disrupting Pac’s rhythm. That’s the fight plan.
  • Barrios increasing his activity here in round 2, jabbing more.
  • Barrios attacks but loses his balance.
  • Buboy Fernandez giving Pacquiao instructions. Round 2 coming up.
  • Barrios wisely keeping his distance. Pacquiao moving pretty good so far.
  • Pacquiao landing early vs Barrios.
  • Manny Pacquiao measuring the taller and rangy Barrios.
Manny Pacquiao arrives to fight Mario Barrios in a welterweight title boxing match Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas.

Manny Pacquiao arrives to fight Mario Barrios in a welterweight title boxing match Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

  • Here we go! First round crucial for Pacquiao. Chants of Manny again as the opening bell rings.
  • As the challenger, Pacquiao introduced first. Crowd boos after Barrios is introduced.
  • Manny! Manny! chants inside the MGM Grand as Pacquiao steps into the ring.
  • Manny Pacquiao walks into the arena to the tune of The Script’s Hall of Fame and Eye of the Tiger.
  • One thing’s for sure: Pacquiao is still a hot draw. Pac’s house is packed tonight. A record 16th appearance at MGM Grand Arena.
  • Questions will be answered in a few minutes. The most important one: Can Pacquiao, at 46, still fight?
  • Up next: Manny Pacquiao’s comeback fight against WBC champion Mario Barrios.

Pacquiao vs Barrios undercard bout sheet

Pacquiao vs Barrios undercard bout sheet list

Mark Magsayo beats Mexico's Jorge Mata Cuellar in Pacquiao-Barrios undercard

Mark Magsayo celebrates after a victory over a tough Jorge Mata Cuellar of Mexico in the undercard of Pacquiao-Barrios at MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.–Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions

LAS VEGAS–Mark Magsayo made it a perfect 2-0 for Filipino fighters in the undercard of Manny Pacquiao-Mario Barrios on Saturday at MGM Grand Arena here.

Magsayo found Mexico’s Jorge Mata Cuellar a tough nut to crack before earning a unanimous decision win in their 10-round super featherweight clash.

Two judges had it a shutout for Magsayo, 100-90, while the other scored it 98-92.

LIVE UPDATES: Mark Magsayo vs Jorge Mata Cuellar

  • Mark Magsayo beats a tough-as-nails Jorge Mata Cuellar by unanimous decision in an entertaining fight. Judges had it 100-90, 100-90, 98-92.
  • Props to Mata for a gusty showing.
  • Fight goes the distance but Magsayo should win this one.
  • Magsayo letting it all out.
  • Strong ninth round for Magsayo. Heading into the 10th and final round. #PacquiaoBarrios
  • Magsayo connecting on power shots but Mata just tough as nails. Seven rounds in.
  • Magsayo poured it on in the fourth but Mata just kept coming back. We’re in for a fight! #PacquiaoBarrios
  • Dominant fourth round for Magsayo but Mata just absorbing the punishment. #PacquiaoBarrios
  • Magsayo, Mata with good exchanges. Mata a tough nut to crack so far for Magsayo. #PacquiaoBarrios
  • Up next: Mark Magsayo vs Mexico’s Jorge Mata Cuellar in a super featherweight fight. #PacquiaoBarrios

Eumir Marcial beats Bernard Joseph in Pacquiao-Barrios undercard

Eumir Marcial raises his arms after beating American Bernard Joseph in the undercard of Manny Pacquiao-Mario Barrios at MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. – Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions

LAS VEGAS–Eumir Marcial had a rousing return in the pro circuit on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) in the curtain raiser of Manny Pacquiao-Mario Barrios at MGM Grand Arena here.

Marcial extended his unbeaten record to 6-0 with four knockouts after stopping American Bernard Joseph in the third round of their 163-pound catchweight bout.

LIVE UPDATES: Eumir Marcial vs Bernard Joseph

  • Eumir Marcial delivers huge blows to the body on the way to a third-round stoppage of Joseph. #PacquiaoBarrios
  • Marcial pummels the body then connects on a hook that drops Joseph in round 2. #PacquiaoBarrios
  • Marcial a bit tentative but gets busy to end the opening round. #PacquiaoBarrios

Manny Pacquiao poses on the scale during a ceremonial weigh in Friday, July 18, 2025, in Las Vegas.

Manny Pacquiao poses on the scale during a ceremonial weigh in Friday, July 18, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

LAS VEGAS—Manny Pacquiao had won three professional bouts and was two weeks away from his first knockout victory by the time Mario Barrios was born.

So there was little surprise that familiar chants of “Manny! Manny!” broke out when the Filipino ring icon was introduced before a good-sized crowd at Friday’s weigh-in at MGM Grand Garden Arena.

LIVE: Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios – WBC welterweight title fight

It’s been four years since Pacquiao retired, six since he last won a boxing match that mattered, and it’s like he never stopped fighting at all. The pride of Saranggani province—and of the Philippines—is remains a captivating draw in this neon-lit gambling haven in the middle of the Nevada desert.

Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios

Manny Pacquiao motions to the crowd during a ceremonial weigh-in Friday, July 18, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

LAS VEGAS–Manny Pacquiao is on the verge of making more milestones but will need a victory over Mario Barrios to seal it on Saturday.

But even before stepping in the ring to challenge the WBC welterweight champion Barrios, Pacquiao has somewhat already assured himself of a record.

After both fighters comfortably made the 147-pound limit during Friday’s weigh-in, Pacquiao is officially making his return from a four-year retirement for his 73rd professional fight and a record 16th appearance at MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios weigh-in

Manny Pacquiao poses on the scale during a ceremonial weigh-in Friday, July 18, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

LAS VEGAS–Manny Pacquiao is officially making his ring return on Saturday four years after announcing his retirement from boxing.

His comeback drew mixed reactions. Others were concerned about the risks, considering Pacquiao’s advanced age of 46, while some were thrilled to see their hero back.

Justin Fortune, Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning coach, saw it in a different sense.

Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios

TGB Promotions President Tom Brown (C) looks on as Manny Pacquiao (L) and WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios (R) attend a ceremonial weigh-in at MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 18, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Barrios is scheduled to defend his title against Pacquiao, who announced he was coming out of retirement nearly four years after his last fight, on July 19. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP

LAS VEGAS–WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios is ready for whatever tricks Manny Pacquiao has up his sleeve on Saturday.

Having spent months studying Pacquiao’s movements and perfecting his tendencies, veteran trainer Bob Santos already has a good idea of what to expect from the Hall-of-Famer.

“Knowing Manny I heard him up on the stage and he said I got a few surprises and when I hear that, I said to myself, ‘oh God here we go.’” said Santos.

Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios

Manny Pacquiao†poses during†a ceremonial weigh-in at MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 18, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao, who announced he was coming out of retirement nearly four years after his last fight, is scheduled to challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios for his title on July 19 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP

LAS VEGAS–Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios couldn’t care less about what the sports books say.

The only thing that matters for Pacquiao and Barrios is glory in their WBC welterweight world title fight on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at MGM Grand Arena in the entertainment capital here.

Barrios was impassive when told about the odds where the defending champion is a -300 favorite against Pacquiao’s +225.

Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios WBC welterweight title fight

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 18: (L-R) Trainers Buboy Fernandez and Freddie Roach, Manny Pacquiao, TGB Promotions President Tom Brown, WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios and his head coach Bob Santos pose during a ceremonial weigh-in at MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 18, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Barrios is scheduled to defend his title against Pacquiao, who announced he was coming out of retirement nearly four years after his last fight, on July 19. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP

Filipino star Manny Pacquiao comfortably made the weight for his comeback world title fight against Mario Barrios on Friday, tipping the scales at just under the 147-pound welterweight limit.

The 46-year-old eight-division world champion — who is returning to the ring after a four-year absence — weighed in at 146.8 lbs during a packed ceremony at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Pacquiao’s opponent in Saturday’s fight, reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Barrios, was also inside the weight limit at 146.2 lbs.

“I’m so happy I’m back because boxing is my passion and I missed boxing,” Pacquiao said after making the weight.

TGB Promotions President Tom Brown (C) looks on as Manny Pacquiao (L) and WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios (R) face off during their news conference at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on July 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

TGB Promotions President Tom Brown (C) looks on as Manny Pacquiao (L) and WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios (R) face off during their news conference at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on July 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Barrios is scheduled to defend his title against Pacquiao, who announced he was coming out of retirement nearly four years after his last fight, on July 19 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP

LAS VEGAS–As far as trainer Buboy Fernandez is concerned, an early knockout looms when Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring on Saturday at MGM Grand here.

Fernandez predicts things won’t be looking good for Barrios as he predicts a quick end against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

“First three rounds? There’s going to be a knockout, we’re going home early,” Fernandez said in Filipino on Wednesday.

TGB Promotions President Tom Brown (C) looks on as Manny Pacquiao (L) and WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios (R) pose during their news conference at MGM Grand Hotel &; Casino on July 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

TGB Promotions President Tom Brown (C) looks on as Manny Pacquiao (L) and WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios (R) pose during their news conference at MGM Grand Hotel &; Casino on July 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Barrios is scheduled to defend his title vs Pacquiao on July 19 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP

LAS VEGAS–Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios, with the WBC welterweight belt wrapped around his shoulder, faced off again before Saturday’s showdown at MGM Grand here.

The two shared smiles and exchanged pleasantries at Wednesday’s final press conference but don’t expect the same on fight night.

“Manny is a very likable person. I can’t think of anything bad to say about him other than he’s facing me for my title. It’s all smiles right now, it’s been like that since the lead-up, but come fight night, that smile is not going to be on his face and it’s not going to be on mine,” said Barrios.

Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios: where to watch on TV, streaming

TGB Promotions President Tom Brown (C) looks on as Manny Pacquiao (L) and WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios (R) face off during a ceremonial weigh-in at MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 18, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP

Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao makes his return to the ring against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on Sunday, July 20, Philippine time.

Fans can catch Pacquiao’s awaited comeback fight on various platforms.

Inquirer Sports will be providing up-to-minute updates straight from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, for Fight Night through its special The Pacquiao Files: Pacquiao vs Barrios special page, LIVE UPDATES page, and social media platforms X and Facebook.

Manny Pacquiao Justin Fortune

FILE — Manny Pacquiao and strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune. Photos by Wendell Alinea/MP Promotions

LAS VEGAS—There’s a possibility that Saturday’s WBC world welterweight title fight doesn’t go the distance.

And Justine Fortune, Manny Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning coach, gladly explained why it is the Filipino ring icon who would be walking away with a KO victory.

Pacquiao comes out of retirement for a stab at a ninth world title at MGM Grand here against defending champion Mario Barrios, whom Fortune practically described as someone way out of the league of the Filipino superstar.

“Barrios is not a big puncher and Pacquiao is ridiculously strong,” Fortune said on a sweltering Wednesday afternoon at Knuckleheads Boxing Gym, where Pacquiao went right back to work less than 24 hours after arriving at the entertainment capital.

Manny Pacquiao training at the Knuckleheads Boxing Gym in Las Vegas ahead of his fight vs Mario Barrios.

Manny Pacquiao training at the Knuckleheads Boxing Gym in Las Vegas ahead of his fight vs Mario Barrios. –MARK GIONGCO/INQUIRER.net

LAS VEGAS–From the hand speed, footwork, and punching power, not much has changed for Manny Pacquiao. But recovery is a different story.

After coming back from a four-year retirement, the 46-year-old Pacquiao admits he is still getting used to the changes.

“Training’s been OK. I’m just being careful with my body recovery. It’s hard to force your body,” he said early Wednesday morning inside his suite at MGM Grand here.

Manny Pacquiao flexes his muscles after training. —MARK GIONGCO

Manny Pacquiao flexes his muscles after training. —MARK GIONGCO

HOLLYWOOD—With five days to go before fight night, the plan was a light workout on the final day of camp in Los Angeles before heading to Las Vegas.

Manny Pacquiao didn’t get the memo.

He was in his usual jovial yet no-nonsense mood, beaming and grinning as he pounded the mitts with longtime trainer and childhood friend Buboy Fernandez.

Strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune, wary of potential burnout and risk of injury with Saturday’s title showdown against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios just around the corner, initially wanted four rounds of mitts that turned into six.

Manny Pacquiao during a training session at Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. He is preparing for a world title fight against Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas.

Manny Pacquiao during a training session at Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. He is preparing for a world title fight against Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas. –MARK GIONGCO/INQUIRER.net

LAS VEGAS–Manny Pacquiao may be standing at the doorstep of history, but breaking records is just secondary to his main goal of becoming world champion again.

Pacquiao will hit two birds with one stone with a victory on Saturday here–set records and regain his world champion status–but his eyes are on the ultimate prize: The WBC welterweight crown currently held by Mario Barrios.

“[I’m motivated by] breaking my own record as the oldest welterweight champion,” said Pacquiao Tuesday after a two-hour training session at Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood.

Pacquiao vs barrios Manny Pacquiao poses for photos after the end of. training session at Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles

Manny Pacquiao poses for photos after the end of. training session at Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. –MARK GIONGCO/INQUIRER

HOLLYWOOD—Manny Pacquiao said he finally found the remedy to the curious case of his leg cramps that had plagued his career for decades.

The culprit, according to Pacquiao, was nothing scientific, and solving it didn’t require any expertise. All it took was a minor tweak to his everyday routine.

He just hoped to have found out about it sooner.

“It took me 20 years to discover what to do to keep me from cramping up,” Pacquiao said after wrapping up his Los Angeles training camp Tuesday afternoon at Wild Card Boxing Club.

Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios boxing

Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach (L) looks on as Fillipino boxer Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao smiles during a media day workout at Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles on June 25, 2025. Manny Pacquiao will take on US boxer Mario “El Azteca” Barrios for the WBC welterweight title on July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines–If there’s one who can fully relate to Manny Pacquiao and fighting at an advanced age, it’s Bernard Hopkins.

Hopkins is the oldest boxer to win a world title after he unified the light heavyweight belts at 49 years old with a split decision victory over Beibut Shumenov in April 2014.

Pacquiao will attempt to become the second oldest fighter in boxing history when he challenges WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Manny Pacquiao is making his return to the ring after four years as he takes on a younger Mario Barrios on July 20 (Philippine time).

Manny Pacquiao is making his return to the ring after four years as he takes on a younger Mario Barrios on July 20 (Philippine time).

HOLLYWOOD — Manny Pacquiao is turning 47 this December. On Saturday, he will challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Perhaps the biggest question that hovers as Pacquiao’s ring return after a four-year retirement nears is, can he still fight at the top level at 46 years old?

Without a doubt, Pacquiao believes so.

“I always thought, even when I hung up my gloves, ‘I can still fight, I can still feel my body, I can still work hard,’” Pacquiao said during a press conference last month.

LOOK BACK: Manny Pacquiao and his biggest wins in boxing ledwaba margarito dela hoya thurman cotto hatton

Throughout Manny Pacquiao’s decades-long and glittering boxing career, the Filipino legend has delivered countless classics against a slew of the sport’s greats, elevating him to rarefied air.

Here’s a quick trip down memory lane from Pacquiao’s path to boxing stardom and rise to legendary status.

Manny pacquiao boxing 46 years old Bernard Hopkins George Foreman Evander Holyfield, Larry Holmes

As the old sports adage goes, Father Time is undefeated. But every once in a while, someone walks in and defies the odds.

Manny Pacquiao will attempt to do just that when he steps into the ring, coming off a four-year retirement, on July 19 against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

At 46 years old, Pacquiao is chasing history. Beating Barrios won’t just add to his legend; it also makes him one of the oldest boxers to win a world title.

Mario Barrios boxing Manny Pacquiao WBC Pacquiao vs Barrios July 19 July 20

MANILA, Philippines–While Manny Pacquiao needs no introduction, his Mexican-American opponent Mario Barrios has yet to fully establish a name for himself despite his WBC welterweight champion status.

A victory over Pacquiao in the biggest bout of Barrios’ career changes the narrative. Until then, the San Antonio, Texas native still has a reputation left to build.



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