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