Manny Pacquiao Comes in at Heaviest Weight in 12 Years Ahead of WBC Title Showdown Against Mario Barrios

By Emmanuel Austin Baah On Jul 19, 2025

Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is officially back. The Filipino legend weighed in at 146.8 pounds on Friday, his heaviest weight since 2013, ahead of his much-anticipated return to the ring against WBC welterweight world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios, who came in slightly lighter at 146.2 pounds.

The bout is set for Saturday night, July 20, 2025, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, and will be contested for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Welterweight Championship.

At 46 years old, Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) is stepping back into the ring for the first time since his 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugas. The eight-division world champion has been training intensely for months in General Santos City and Los Angeles, hoping to defy the odds once more in what many believe could be his final title fight.

His opponent, Mario Barrios (29-2, 18 KOs), enters the fight as the reigning WBC welterweight champion. The 29-year-old American captured the vacant title in early 2024 and has successfully defended it once. Known for his power and range, Barrios is aiming to solidify his status in the welterweight division by taking down a legend.

While Pacquiao’s comeback has drawn excitement and skepticism alike, the weight he came in at—just under the welterweight limit of 147 lbs—indicates he’s physically prepared for the challenge. However, questions remain about how his age, speed, and stamina will hold up against a younger, more active champion.

Both fighters looked sharp and focused during the official weigh-in, with no signs of intimidation or struggle on the scale. The face-off was intense but respectful, setting the tone for a historic night of boxing.

Pacquiao will attempt to become the oldest fighter in history to capture a major welterweight title—a feat that would further cement his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time.

Boxing fans around the world will be tuning in to witness whether the legendary southpaw can turn back the clock or if Barrios will usher in a new era with a decisive victory over a global icon.

Author

Emmanuel Austin Baah

My name is Emmanuel Austin Baah, professionally known as “Okocha”. I am a seasoned Ghanaian journalist, broadcaster and football commentator from Senya Bereku in the Central Region. My work reflects a strong commitment to factual reporting, ethical journalism and the continuous promotion of Ghanaian sports.

I am currently pursuing my studies at Cape Coast Technical University, building on a solid foundation of media practice and communication. I previously served as a sports producer at Radio Gold (90.5) and Montie FM (100.1) in Accra, where I was actively involved in editorial planning, programme production, live commentary and in-depth sports analysis.

Presently, I am a Senior Writer at SportsNetGhana.com, a role in which I produce well-researched features, match reports, athlete profiles and analytical pieces. My work consistently highlights emerging talents, captures key sporting developments and contributes to shaping informed sports discourse in Ghana.

Over the course of my career, I have covered numerous major sporting events both locally and internationally. Among these, the highlight remains my coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a significant milestone that strengthened my expertise in global football reporting and enhanced my understanding of international sports dynamics.

I am widely recognised for my clarity of analysis, engaging commentary style and strong command of both local and global football trends. Beyond the newsroom, I participate in community initiatives aimed at developing young sports journalists and promoting youth engagement in sports.

For professional engagements, media collaborations or enquiries, please contact me on 0265284330.

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