Manny Pacquiao to end retirement to challenge for WBC welterweight title against Mario Barrios, fans react: "Absolute joke of a fight"

It was recently announced that boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao is scheduled to lock horns with Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title on July 19 in Las Vegas, ending his four-year retirement.

'Pac Man' lost his last fight against Yordenis Ugas via unanimous decision in 2021. Subsequently, the 46-year-old announced his retirement from the sport and has participated in exhibition bouts in other promotions ever since.

Recently, ESPN Ringside on X reported Pacquiao's next fight, writing:

"Breaking: Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao will end his nearly four-year retirement to face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship on July 19 in Las Vegas, sources confirmed to Andreas Hale on Thursday."

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Check out the post below:

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Fans immediately took to the comments section to share their reactions, with one writing:

"Absolute joke of a fight. [Mario] Barrios doesn't deserve a shot, Pac [Manny Pacquiao] definitely doesn't and shouldn't be anywhere near a ring anymore."

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Others wrote:

"Damn I hate seeing fighters not knowing when to hang it up. I hope he doesn’t get hurt."

"Some fighters just can’t stay retired lol."

"This is a TITLE FIGHT?!! wow, that's trash! Whoever gave this the green light is a horrible promoter."

"I feel like this is just a money fight."

Check out more fan reactions below:

Fan comments [Screenshots courtesy: @ESPNRingside on X]

When Joe Rogan weighed in on the potential Manny Pacquiao vs. Conor McGregor fight

After Conor McGregor's dominant win over Donald Cerrone at UFC 246, rumors were afloat regarding a potential boxing match between 'The Notorious' and Manny Pacquiao. UFC commentator Joe Rogan shut it down as he claimed that the Irishman would not stand a chance against 'Pac Man.'

Speaking to comedian Tony Hinchcliffe on The Joe Rogan Experience, he had this to say:

"You’re talking about one of the greatest boxers of all time against a guy with one professional boxing match. Conor is not a professional boxer. Because he’s not a professional boxer, he’s not as efficient, and he’s going to get tired easier."

Check out Joe Rogan's comments below (0:48):

About the author

Sunil holds a Bachelor of Science degree in visual communication. He started his professional career in 2023 and has previously worked with FirstSportz and Levitate Studios, among other organizations.

Sunil was drawn to MMA by Conor McGregor, especially the Irishman’s crossover boxing bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2017. His favorite fighter is Jorge Masvidal for his wild and unorthodox approach.

Surprisingly, ‘The Notorious’ and ‘Gamebred’ do not find a place in his Mt. Rushmore, which includes Chuck Liddell, Anderson Silva, Alex Pereira, Daniel Cormier, and Khabib Nurmagomedov. He feels ONE Championship’s Rodtang Jitmuangnon has the ability to succeed in the UFC due to his power.

Sunil is of the opinion that the UFC is not doing enough to prevent eye pokes and does not mind soccer kicks in MMA.

In his free time, he likes to watch anime and films in general. He’s also a boxing historian, having gotten into the sport watching videos of fighters like Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran.

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Edited by Sunil Krishnan