Manny Pacquiao appears set to come out of retirement and lace up the gloves once more for a highly anticipated return to the boxing ring.

Sulaiman explained that under WBC rules, a former champion of Pacquiao’s caliber is allowed to come out of retirement and immediately compete for a title. He further revealed that the 46-year-old Filipino boxing legend has already received medical clearance from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

"Pac Man" was last seen in the ring in August 2021, where he endured a grueling unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugás in their WBA super welterweight title bout. His most recent victory came in July 2019, when he edged out Keith Thurman via split decision in a hard-fought battle nearly six years ago.

Pacquiao assumed office as a senator in June 2016, following a successful campaign in that year’s national elections. He held the position until 2022, stepping away from legislative duties to launch a presidential bid in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Barrios was elevated to WBC welterweight champion in 2023 after Terence Crawford vacated the belt to move up in weight. “El Azteca” last competed in November, appearing on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson event. In his first title defense, the 29-year-old American went the distance with Abel Ramos, earning a tightly contested draw that allowed him to retain the championship.

Barrios is currently riding a four-fight win streak, with a professional record of 29-2-1 and 18 wins by knockout.

Manny Pacquiao appears set to come out of retirement and lace up the gloves once more for a highly anticipated return to the boxing ring.

Sulaiman explained that under WBC rules, a former champion of Pacquiao’s caliber is allowed to come out of retirement and immediately compete for a title. He further revealed that the 46-year-old Filipino boxing legend has already received medical clearance from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

"Pac Man" was last seen in the ring in August 2021, where he endured a grueling unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugás in their WBA super welterweight title bout. His most recent victory came in July 2019, when he edged out Keith Thurman via split decision in a hard-fought battle nearly six years ago.

Pacquiao assumed office as a senator in June 2016, following a successful campaign in that year’s national elections. He held the position until 2022, stepping away from legislative duties to launch a presidential bid in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Barrios was elevated to WBC welterweight champion in 2023 after Terence Crawford vacated the belt to move up in weight. “El Azteca” last competed in November, appearing on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson event. In his first title defense, the 29-year-old American went the distance with Abel Ramos, earning a tightly contested draw that allowed him to retain the championship.

Barrios is currently riding a four-fight win streak, with a professional record of 29-2-1 and 18 wins by knockout.