WBC Sanctions Title Fight Between Pacquiao and Barrios

The President of the World Boxing Council (WBC) and Ready To Fight advisor, Mauricio Sulaiman, confirmed that the organization will approve a fight between Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) and Mario Barrios (29-2, 18 KOs) for the WBC welterweight title (up to 66.7 kg).

"I really like this idea. I think Pacquiao can beat any fighter or be competitive with any fighter today," said Sulaiman.

Manny Pacquiao has not officially boxed since August 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas and focused on his political career. However, in 2024, he decided to resume his professional boxing career. In April, the 8-division champion planned to fight Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek, but the fight did not materialize.

Pacquiao also planned to participate in the Olympics but faced disappointment as the International Olympic Committee did not allow him due to exceeding the age limit. He was unable to meet Conor Benn either, who lost his appeal and cannot compete in Britain due to a positive doping test. Pacquiao was then set to have an exhibition bout against MMA fighter Chihiro Suzuki, but the Japanese fighter got injured. His next announced opponent is kickboxer Rukiya Anpo, with a fight scheduled for July 28. The fighters will go 3 rounds of 3 minutes each, with a weight limit of 69 kg.

Earlier, Mario Barrios' coach, Bob Santos, reacted to his fighter being elevated to full champion status and discussed the potential fight against Pacquiao.