MANNY PACQUIAO has announced he is coming out of retirement and walking straight into a world title shot – causing fan uproar.
The Filipino great took to social media to confirm a July 19 bout in Las Vegas against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
He posted: “I’m back. On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“Let’s make history!”
Interestingly, neither Barrios nor Premier Boxing Champions – due to promote the fight – spoke out to confirm the bout.
But Pacquiao’s post still caused havoc amongst fans with the boxing legend primed for a title shot after four years out and six without a win.
READ MORE IN boxing
One said: “Legend, but nah don’t do this.”
Another added: “Why???? Who wants to see this”
One fumed: “Disgrace from the WBC.”
Another raged: “Ideal form for a world title shot. Winless for 6 years.”
Most read in Boxing
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
Pacquiao’s last win came in 2019, beating Keith Thurman.
He was then due to face Errol Spence Jr in August 2021 until an eye injury forced the Texan out, with Yordenis Ugas replacing him.
Ugas sprung a surprise upset on Pacquiao, who announced his retirement after the point loss to run for president in the Philippines.
But after a failed election, rumours of a boxing return began swirling for PacMan, who later faced Korean YouTuber DK Yoo in a 2022 exhibition.
Pacquiao then returned last July for another exhibition, against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in Tokyo.
And the eight-division champ showed his age over the three rounds – with fans urging him never to fight again.
But talks were taking place behind the scenes for Pacquiao to make a professional comeback in a bid for the welterweight title.
Per WBC rules, a contender must be ranked within their top 15 in order to be eligible for a championship bout.
Read More on The Sun
So it came as little surprise when Pacquiao sneaked back into the WBC’s top five in mid May – despite his absence from the ring.
Boxing’s oldest world champ of all time is Bernard Hopkins, who won a world title aged 49.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
