The legend is back. Manny Pacquiao makes his return from a four-year absence (and retirement) to try and once again capture gold. Pacquiao is set to take on WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in the main event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday night in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao was last seen in a pro fight in August 2021 when he was outclassed by Yordenis Ugas, which led to his eventual retirement from the sport. Now, after being inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame, Pacquiao wants to give it one more go at the age of 46 against a champion who has had an up-and-down career to date.
“I’ve been a challenger many times and it’s always the same feeling,” Pacquiao said. “I’m excited to take the belt. He’s a good fighter also, but our job is to entertain the fans. We’re gonna give them a real fight. Saturday night it’s going to be a great fight. It’s been a while that I’ve been out of the ring, but I’m still active and exercising all the time. I’m going to prove to everyone that I’m in great condition.”
The undercard also sees a terrific rematch for the unified junior middleweight titles when champion Sebastian Fundora takes on Tim Tszyu. Fundora earned a split decision win in their first meeting that turned into a bloody war thanks to an inadvertent elbow that Fundora landed on Tszyu’s head that opened a nasty gash. Now, Tszyu looks for his revenge against an opponent he had an argument for beating in the first fight in March 2024.
Boxing predictions, best bets, odds: Top picks to consider for Pacquiao vs. Barrios, Usyk vs. Dubois 2
Brent Brookhouse
Plus, former titleholder Isaac Cruz is back in action at junior welterweight. Cruz was expected to face Angel Fierro, but Fierro was forced to withdraw from the bout on Friday due to a bad weight cut. In his place will be Omar Salcido. And opening the PPV is a featherweight showdown between former junior featherweight champion Brandon Figueroa and Joet Gonzalez.
The action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on PBC on Prime pay-per-view. The full fight card with odds and complete viewing information is listed below. Be sure to check out our predictions and expert picks for the main event.
| Mario Barrios (c) -235 | Manny Pacquiao +195 | WBC welterweight title |
| Tim Tszyu -165 | Sebastian Fundora (c) +130 | WBC, WBO junior middleweight title |
| Isaac Cruz -1000 | Omar Salcido +600 | Junior welterweights |
| Brandon Figueroa -250 | Joet Gonzalez +205 | Featherweights |
Who wins Mario Barrios vs. Manny Pacquiao and which method of victory prop could bring a massive return? Join SportsLine here to see which bets you need to make for the fight, all from the accomplished veteran combat sports analyst who has consistently delivered winners.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement…
The X5 is the first series-production BMW to integrate the door handles into the beltline.…
A common amino acid found in protein rich foods and many brain health supplements may…
Nintendo is facing a potential incident after a threat actor claimed to have stolen nearly…
Responding to reports that the Government is set to ease the ZEV mandate’s 2030 target,…
Builder Jake Plender turned his daily-driven Mitsubishi Mighty Max into a nearly 500-horsepower hot rod.…