A Global Icon Returns with a Message
The boxing world is buzzing after Manny Pacquiao made it official: he’s back. The Hall of Famer took center stage during a two-city press tour, promising fireworks in his comeback bout against WBC welterweight world champion Mario Barrios. Speaking to a packed house in Los Angeles, Pacquiao emphasized that his passion hasn’t faded. “I’ve been through so many big fights in my career and I’m still here,” he said. “My goal is to leave a legacy. I want to inspire the young generation who are dreaming of becoming a champion.”
Now 46, Pacquiao aims to reclaim championship gold on Saturday, July 19, headlining a stacked PBC Pay-Per-View from Las Vegas. “I’ve been resting my body, and now I’m back to give fans a great fight,” Pacquiao added.
Barrios Confident: “I’m the Champion for a Reason”
On the other side stands Mario “El Azteca” Barrios, the WBC titleholder and rising star determined to keep his momentum going. “This is my biggest fight so far,” Barrios declared. “Facing a legend like Manny Pacquiao is an honor, but I’m here to win. Come July 19, he’s just another man trying to take what’s mine.” Barrios, who previously faced Gervonta Davis, believes that experience will serve him well in this legacy-making showdown.
A Fully Stacked Card Promises Action
Adding more firepower to the night, Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Tim Tszyu will meet in a long-awaited super welterweight rematch following their brutal 2024 clash. Fundora, known for his aggressive style, declared, “I don’t think this fight goes the distance.” Tszyu, motivated by redemption, replied, “This is round 13. I’m here to rewrite my mistake.”
Meanwhile, the always-explosive Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz faces rival Angel Fierro again in a grudge match that stems from their February war. “He says I don’t have a chin, but I still beat him,” Cruz fired back. Fierro didn’t back down: “I figured him out the first time. Now he has to figure me out.”
To open the night, former two-division champ Brandon Figueroa takes on elite featherweight Joet Gonzalez in what many are calling a sleeper pick for Fight of the Night.
July 19: A Night Boxing Fans Won’t Want to Miss
With four elite matchups and storylines filled with redemption, legacy, and rivalries, the Pacquiao vs. Barrios event is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated nights of 2025 boxing. From a living legend chasing one more world title to young champions protecting their status, every fighter on this card has something to prove.
Event Fast Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, July 19, 2025 |
| Venue | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas |
| PPV Start | 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on Prime Video |
| Tickets | Available at AXS.com |
| Notable Fights | Pacquiao vs Barrios, Fundora vs Tszyu II, Cruz vs Fierro II, Figueroa vs Gonzalez |
