Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is eyeing another fight later in 2025 after a controversial draw against Mario Barrios.
46-year-old boxing icon Manny Pacquiao‘s return to the ring went as well as it could’ve been without a victory against WBC welterweight champ Mario Barrios in July. After 12 rounds of action, Barrios and Pacquiao fought to a majority draw, and Barrios retained his WBC title.
Despite Pacquiao’s defeat, the boxing legend isn’t expecting to undergo another long hiatus from competition after nearly dethroning a champion in his prime. Many believed Pacquiao did enough to earn the nod on the judges’ scorecards against Barrios.
After the Barrios fight, Pacquiao has plenty of options for his latest comeback attempt, including the rematch with Barrios.
Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesManny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios 2 could take place later this year
Pacquiao proved that age is solely a number in his impressive performance against Barrios last month. Top boxers of Pacquiao’s age would usually take months, if not years off from fighting before entertaining another potential booking.
Pacquiao is built from a different cloth. In addition to his priorities outside of the ring, Pacquiao believes he still possesses the skills to become a world champion again.
Many have wondered if and when Pacquiao will return to the ring for another shot at contending for a world title. Luckily, fans won’t have to wait long for the former champion to fight again.
In a recent interview with Dyan Castillejo, Pacquiao revealed he’s committed to fighting again this year, in December.
While an official date, venue, and opponent haven’t been announced for Pacquiao’s targeted comeback, a rematch with Barrios seems like the most likely option for all parties. Barrios has fought to two consecutive draws in his career after three-straight wins over Fabian Maidana, Yordenis Ugas, and Jovanie Santiago.
Manny Pacquiao also interested in matchups with Gervonta Davis, Rolando Romero
In addition to the Barrios rematch, there are several other possibilities for Pacquiao’s return opponent. Pacquiao’s manager revealed that matchups with Gervonta Davis and Rolando Romero are in the mix for the legend’s next fight.
Davis announced his shock retirement just weeks ago in the middle of negotiations for a rematch with Lamont Roach. Meanwhile, Romero defeated Ryan Garcia in an upset victory earlier this summer, and a rematch is in discussions.
Pacquiao is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all-time, defeating the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley, and Juan Manuel Marquez during his illustrious career. He retired in 2021 following a unanimous defeat to Ugas.