Manny Pacquiao Ends Politics, Returns to Boxing July 19

Manny Pacquiao, the former eight-division world boxing champion and Filipino politician, has announced that he is done with politics and is fully committed to returning to boxing. At 46 years old, Pacquiao plans to continue fighting indefinitely, starting with a comeback bout on July 19 against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in Las Vegas, aiming to become the oldest welterweight champion in history. After serving as a senator from 2016 to 2022 and finishing third in the 2022 Philippine presidential election, Pacquiao unsuccessfully sought to reclaim his Senate seat in the 2025 midterm elections, finishing 18th. Following that defeat, he quickly shifted focus back to boxing and is training in Los Angeles with Freddie Roach. Pacquiao expressed strong passion and determination for the sport, saying the fire and eagerness to train remain strong, and that he regrets ever leaving the ring. His return marks the closing of his political chapter, as he emphasizes that boxing is now his sole focus.