What will happen if Manny Pacquiao wins over Mario Barrios?

It has been nearly four years since the boxing world last saw multi-divisional champion and future Hall of Famer Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) in the ring. 

His last fight, a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021, seemed like a farewell as he shifted his focus to politics to serve his fellowmen and other pursuits outside boxing. However, it seems that the 46-year-old Pacquiao isn't done yet.

The "boxing itch" has returned, and Pacquiao has officially announced his comeback: he will face the reigning WBC welterweight champion, Mario Barrios (32-2-1, 18 KOs), on July 19, 2025 (July 20 Manila time). This matchup poses a significant challenge, as Barrios is 16 years younger. 

Should Pacquiao win, he would not only reclaim a world title but also make history as the oldest fighter to win a welterweight championship at the age of 46, having previously achieved this milestone at 40 when he defeated Keith Thurman in 2019.

Pacquiao's return is already generating buzz and interest in the boxing community, attracting both dedicated fans and mainstream viewers, which is sure to translate into financial success. If he indeed manages to defeat Barrios, it could initiate a cascade of opportunities, with top contenders from the 140-pound division likely to move up to challenge him. 

The welterweight champions would probably be eager to unify their titles, and fighters from the 154-pound division might drop or propose "catchweight" fights just to have a chance against Pacquiao, knowing it could lead to a significant payday.

What captivates us even more is a potential Pacquiao victory, because there is a thrilling possibility of a matchup with Gervonta "Tank" Davis. This would depend on Davis defeating Lamont Roach in their rematch on August 15, 2025. A bout between Pacquiao and Davis would be a generational clash that could ignite excitement in both the boxing and pop culture realms.

Even if a Pacquiao and Davis fight doesn’t materialize, the prospect of a Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II looms large. The two boxing legends last faced each other in 2015, with Mayweather winning by unanimous decision. Pacquiao has often cited a shoulder injury as a factor in that loss, and many believe the public would be eager to witness a rematch, regardless of their age. 

A Mayweather vs. Pacquiao rematch makes sense from both a financial perspective and a historical one. It will be intriguing to see what happens if Manny Pacquiao defeats Mario Barrios next month. The outcomes could reshape the landscape of boxing significantly.

Historical examples, such as the rematches between Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns, or Leonard's third fight with Roberto Durán, show that boxing fans are often more than willing to embrace bouts that transcend time.