Manny Pacquiao is back in the ring this July, and he’s not coming alone. The 46-year-old boxing legend, who’s already collected more belts than most people have socks, will challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on July 19.
Manny Pacquiao’s Next Fight
In a move that has boxing fans raising eyebrows, his son Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. will make his professional debut on the undercard – a family affair that’s sure to draw both cheers and groans in equal measure.
Manny Pacquiao’s return is historic on several fronts. He already holds the record as the oldest welterweight champion, having won the title at 40, and now he’s eyeing another notch in the history books by attempting to reclaim the belt at 46. The Filipino icon’s career, which started back in 1995, has seen him win titles in eight weight divisions, a feat no other boxer has matched.
His last official fight was a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021, after which he traded gloves for a stint in Philippine politics and an unsuccessful presidential run. Since then, Pacquiao has dabbled in exhibition bouts, but this is his first sanctioned fight in nearly four years.
As for Jimuel, the 24-year-old has been sharpening his skills at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, under the watchful eyes of his father and legendary trainer Freddie Roach. His amateur record is a bit of a moving target, officially listed as 6-4, though some say it’s closer to 9-5 – but he’s been putting in the work, regularly sparring with seasoned professionals. Jimuel’s pro debut on his father’s undercard is both a proud and nerve-wracking moment for the Pacquiao clan.
Manny Pacquiao himself admitted it pains him to see his son take up the family business, but he’s been closely involved in Jimuel’s preparations, making this comeback night a true generational showcase.
Jimuel Pacquiao Jr., the eldest son of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, is steadily carving out his own path in the sport. Born Emmanuel Pacquiao Jr., he is 24 years old and fights in the super lightweight division, using an orthodox stance. Jimuel began his amateur boxing career in the Philippines, notching early wins at venues like the Amoranto Sports Complex and RNJ Gym, before shifting his training base to the United States.
Not everyone is thrilled about the elder Pacquiao’s return. Critics have questioned the wisdom of letting a 46-year-old, who hasn’t won a fight since 2019, jump straight into a world title shot against a much younger champion in Barrios, who is 29 and very much in his prime. The WBC has defended its decision, pointing to Manny Pacquiao’s legendary status and his clean bill of health from Nevada’s athletic commission. Still, some boxing insiders have called the move “disgraceful,” arguing that the sport should be for the young and that Pacquiao’s best days are behind him.
Barrios, for his part, is no slouch. With an impressive record, he’s coming off a strong run, including a win over Ugas and a recent elevation to full WBC champion. He’s younger, fresher, and, if you believe the oddsmakers, the clear favorite. But if there’s one thing Pacquiao has done throughout his career, it’s defy expectations.
On July 19, it’s Manny Pacquiao vs. Barrios for the welterweight crown, with Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. stepping into the spotlight for his first pro fight. Whether this is a glorious last hurrah or a cautionary tale in the making, one thing’s for sure: the Pacquiao name will be ringing out in Las Vegas, and the boxing world will be watching.
