Manny Pacquiao, one of the most awarded boxers in boxing history, is back in the ring, without political distractions this time.

The former eight-division world champion has officially distanced himself from a return to politics, vowing his complete focus on his boxing career as he gets ready to box Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao Rejects Politics: 'It's So Dirty'

Pacquiao to Focus on Upcoming Fight Against Barrios Pacquiao to Focus on Upcoming Fight Against Barrios
Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)

Having served as a Philippine senator between 2016 and 2022 and attempted a failed presidential bid, Pacquiao is retiring from politics for good. In an interview with TMZ Sports, he didn't hold back when talking about his disenchantment with political life.

"Zero in my mind about politics," Pacquiao remarked. "Politics is so dirty. Politics is so dirty. I don't like that. I don't like that. When I was in politics, I wanted to serve honestly. I want to serve people because that's our legacy."

For Pacquiao, public service was a legacy and doing good, but he now feels that boxing is where he can have his greatest impact again.

Full-Time Comeback to Boxing

The 46-year-old boxing legend hasn't fought professionally since 2021, but he's making a full-time comeback against Mario Barrios, a lethal foe with a 29-2 record. But don't be fooled—this isn't a one-off bout for Pacquiao.

Pacquaio said that as long as his body can fight, he can still.

PacMan aims for a full-time return to the sport, not just a farewell bout. His goal is to stay active, take on as many matches as possible, and prove that age is just a number.

Facing Mario Barrios: The Challenge Ahead

Barrios, whose aggressive fighting style and toughness make him a formidable opponent, is a stern test. The 28-year-old boxer was once the WBA super lightweight champion and is hungry to prove himself against a living legend.

Despite having respect for Pacquiao's legend, Barrios made it certain he was not getting into the ring merely to be an asterisk in someone else's return.

Fans Split on Pacquiao's Return

While Pacquiao's commitment to return has drawn excitement from longtime fans, some remain cautious about his comeback. Questions about age, speed, and endurance are top concerns, but Pacquiao insists he's ready.

His camp agrees: the boxing legend may be older, but his conditioning, heart, and drive remain elite-level.

In another story by Rappler, Pacquiao delivered a knockout valedictory before being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2025.