Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Oscar De La Hoya Backs Manny Pacquiao to Defeat Mario Barrios on July 19

Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

At the age of 46, Manny Pacquiao is trying to defy odds by returning to the boxing ring, as he announced “I’m Back,” with a high-stakes clash against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19, 2025. The Filipino legend, who retired in 2021 after a loss against Yordenis Ugas, seemed to have closed the final chapter on his illustrious and legendary boxing career. With a professional record of 62-8-2, including 39 knockouts, Pacquiao’s prime seemed to have left him behind at the time, as the welterweight division looked stacked with talent at the top which looked out of his reach. Yet, his decision to unretire for this fight against a way younger fighter, who is currently in his prime, has sparked a lot of debate between fans and analysts.

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! #TeamPacquiao 🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/KEscQEims0
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) May 21, 2025

Meanwhile, Mario Barrios, is just 30 years old, and is more than a decade younger fighter, who holds a record of 29-2-1 with 18 knockouts under his belt. The former two-division champ initially kept a unification bout with Jaron Ennis as an option, but he rather opted for the financially lucrative matchup against Pacquiao. In 2024, Barrios didn’t exactly have the year he was hoping for as he fought Fabian Maidana, a tough fight but Barrios came up with a win. And a split decision draw against Abel Ramos, who’s a faded fighter but pushed him to the limits.

Despite the struggles, Barrios will be a tough matchup and a formidable champion, which makes this move by Pacquiao even more risky for the 46 year old, with many labeling it as a “suicide mission.”

Also Read: Tyson Fury Refuses To Unretire After Back To Back Losses To Oleksandr Usyk

Oscar De La Hoya Has a Lot of Faith in Pacquiao

Boxing promoter and former champion Oscar De La Hoya is quite firmly in Pacquiao’s corner and has expressed a strong belief in the veteran’s ability to upset Barrios. When he spoke to reporters De La Hoya said, “Absolutely,” when he was asked about if Pacquiao would win. He added, “Manny Pacquaio’s a legend. I think he can do it.” Call it faith or the truth but it seems like De La Hoya is optimistic about Pacquiao’s chances in the upcoming fight. However, Pacquaio is a legend who has won multiple titles and has all the experience in the world.

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However, De La Hoya is not somebody who underestimates Barrios, as he also said, “It’s not gonna be easy.” While Barrios’ recent performances may have fooled many, De La Hoya respects his ability as he is the current champion for a reason. He wishes the best for Pacquaio, and the bout will surely be defining moment, which will test Pacquaio’s experience and if he can overcome Barrios’ youth and devastating power.

Also Read: Devin Haney Responds To Josh Taylor’s Upset Loss To Ekow Essuman With Sharp Words

Boxing

Manny Pacquiao

Mario Barrios

Oscar De La Hoya

Eric Divakaran

nba

nfl

mma

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