Amir Khan fires Manny Pacquaio warning as Filipino star officially announces boxing return

Manny Pacquiao has officially ended his five-year boxing retirement by inking an agreement to challenge WBC welterweight world champion Mario Barrios for his coveted strap in Las Vegas this summer.

The 46-year-old hasn't fought professionally since being comprehensively beaten by Yordenis Ugas in September 2021, with that loss prompting the eight-weight world champion to draw the curtain upon his illustrious career.

However, despite turning his hand to politics and initially vowing never to return to the professional boxing scene, rumours have circled for the past year that he could in fact be swayed to reverse his decision if the right offer came along.

That offer has subsequently arrived, with a showdown with American Barrios pencilled in for Saturday July 19, with the bout, which was first mooted earlier this month, set to pocket Pacquiao a bumper seven figure payday.

Announcing the news on Thursday via his official social media platform, the 72-fight veteran said:

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!

- Manny Pacquaio (X)

Pacquaio, who has won 62 of his 72 professional contests, with 39 of those winning coming inside the scheduled distance, will make his return 30 years on from his professional boxing debut back in 1995.

He went on to secure 12 world titles across eight weight divisions, a feat that no other boxer has ever matched, whilst he also became the first fighter to hold world championship gold across four decades (1990s, 2000s, 2010s and 2020s).

British boxing star Amir Khan, who was heavily linked to a blockbuster fight with Pacquiao during his career, has worked at close quarters with 'PacMan's' opponent Barrios, and will keeping everything crossed that the Filipino doesn't come to regret his decision.

"It's a fantastic fight for Mario, he needs that big fight. He'll be paid well and fighting a legend like Manny Pacquiao, who would say no to that?" he told Sky Sports.

"Mario deserves this fight because he's a very good fighter and every fighter wants that big payday. It will be fantastic for him.

"I don't know how much Manny's got left in him. If they were in their prime, in their peak, then I'd say all day Manny Pacquiao, but this could be a tricky and dangerous fight for him."

Mark Mothershaw

• Mario Barrios v Manny Pacquaio
• Manny Pacquaio
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