Manny Pacquiao is currently in discussions for a shot at the vacant WBC belt in the 147lbs category later this year.
The boxing legend, aged 45, has been out of action since his loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021.
Following that defeat, Pacquiao shifted his focus to politics in his home country, the Philippines. However, according to his long-term advisor Sean Gibbons, Pacquiao is considering a sensational return to the sport.
Gibbons revealed to Sky Sports, “Manny is looking at that option to fight Mario Barrios.
He loves the idea of finishing his career by winning the WBC title. That was his first belt way back. So over the next two weeks, we are going to try to make the fight.”
Pacquiao himself expressed his desire for a comeback, saying, “I made history at 40 beating Keith Thurman.
And I feel at 45, I have a lot left in the game as I haven’t taken a lot of punishment over the last few years. I want to make history.”
Barrios, on the other hand, is eager for the potential fight, stating, “I’m very excited at the possibility of this fight being made. Manny Pacquiao is a future Hall of Famer, a legend and someone I looked up to growing up.
To share the ring with him would be an honor and a dream come true.”
The WBC title became vacant after pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford decided to move up to super-welterweight and challenge Israil Madrimov this summer.