Manny Pacquiao Set for WBC Title Shot on Comeback: Can He Do It?

Legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao is set to return to the boxing ring on July 19, with a bout signed against Mario Barrios, with the WBC World Welterweight belt on the line.

PacMan enjoyed an incredible career but has not officially had a professional bout since his defeat against Yordenis Ugas in 2021.

Can he find his old form to launch a successful comeback? Let’s take a look at his chances… 

Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios Set for July 19

Can Manny Pacquiao Defeat Mario Barrios?

If you are looking to place a bet on the fight you can find a boxing bookmaker in the UK through first.com, where you will see the best betting sites for boxing.

Bernard Hopkins is the oldest boxer to win a Championship, winning at 49 years old at Light Heavyweight, beating Beibut Shemenov in 2014.

Many remember the famous George Foreman comeback, knocking out Michael Moorer to win heavyweight gold.

Foreman was 46, as is Pacquiao now, so perhaps it could prove to be a lucky age to return to the sport.

The Filipino boxer was known for his fast pace, power and tenacity, all attributes that placed him as one of the greatest to ever lace up their gloves.

However, speed is something that naturally declines over time, and we saw this with Pacquiao later in his career.
Barrios’ physical advantage was clear when the two faced off in a pre-fight conference and this had fans fearing the worst – with the American entering what should be his physical prime.

While height and reach should play a big role in Barrios’ game plan, he often tries to brawl inside and opt for a high-volume approach.
This may negate one of the biggest disadvantages that Pacquiao faces in the fight, but there is still a fear that he may struggle with the pace of the fight.

Against Ugas, a man Barrios has since beaten, the Filipino looked slow and like a fighter who should call it a day, and it’s tough to imagine he’ll be any quicker after four years out.

However, you can never say never in boxing, and PacMan certainly has the ability to cause a massive shock on July 26.

Manny Pacquiao Victory Could Set Up Blockbuster Welterweight Showdowns

If the fight goes Pacquiao’s way, then we could see mega fights set up with the likes of Devin Haney and Conor Benn, who are both ranked first and third in the WBC welterweight rankings.

There is no doubt that he will be the A-side in his upcoming fight, which will make him an attractive prospect for promoters with his former champion status allowing him to get a title shot on his first fight back.

This means that a win for the former Senator will almost certainly set up big-name fights.
It is unlikely that Pacquiao will look past Barrios, who will enter the fight as a favourite, and it is tough to see where PacMan would go following a defeat.

On the other hand, a win for the Hall of Famer would allow for at least one or two more big paydays and genuine box-office attractions in the welterweight division.

No matter what happens, plenty of people will be tuning in around the world to see whether Pacquiao can turn back the clock and rediscover everything that made him one of the greatest boxers of all time.