Manny Pacquiao is officially ready to return.
Widely considered to be one of the greatest boxers of his generation, Pacquiao is the only boxer in history to win 12 world titles across eight different weight divisions. Back in 2021, Pacquiao retired from the sweet science after a 26-year professional career. Following retirement, Pacquiao still participated in several exhibition bouts to stay active, but on Saturday, he ends his four-year retirement when he takes on Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. And now that fight is official as both men successfully made weight on Friday.
Though Pacquiao began his career at flyweight (112 pounds), he spent the final decade of his career competing at 147 pounds and had no issue making that weight for Friday, tipping the scales at 146.8 pounds. Barrios, the WBC champion, came in at 146.2 pounds.
After the ceremonial weigh-ins, Pacquiao spoke to the crowd about why he chose to return at 46 years old.
“First of all, I’m so happy because I’m back,” Pacquiao said. “I’m back because boxing is my passion. I missed boxing. I’m so thankful to God, because until now, he gave me the strength, kept me safe, and gave me good health. That’s why Manny Pacquiao is still here. …
“Those four years that I retired, I really missed boxing. It was good for my body because I was able to give my body a rest for four years. … Now I’m back. I’m excited for the fight. I’m really hungry to win again, and give the fans a good fight. I know the fans are waiting for a good fight. I know Barrios is working hard. That’s our job, to entertain the crowd, to give you a good fight, and to satisfy on Saturday night.”
Check out the full Pacquiao vs. Barrios weigh-in results below.
Main Card, 8 p.m. ET, PBC on PRIME PPV
Manny Pacquiao (146.8) vs. Mario Barrios (146.2)
Sebastian Fundora (152.6) vs. Tim Tszyu (153.2)
Isaac Cruz (138.8) vs. Omar Salcido (139.4)
Brandon Figueroa (126.0) vs. Joet Gonzalez (125.0)
Preliminary Card, 5:30 p.m., Amazon Prime (free for members)
Gary Russell Jr. (131.6) vs. Hugo Castaneda (135.8)
David Picasso (125.8) vs. Kyonosuke Kameda (126.0)
Mark Magsayo (129.0) vs. Jorge Mata (129.0)
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