Sad News: Manny Pacquiao Announces He Cannot Fight Mario Barrios on July 19, Revealing Heartbreaking Reason That Shocks the World
Las Vegas, Nevada, In a stunning blow to the boxing world, Manny Pacquiao has announced his withdrawal from his highly anticipated comeback fight against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, scheduled for July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The 46-year-old Filipino legend cited a heartbreaking personal reason—a recent health scare involving his mother, Dionisia Pacquiao, who suffered a severe stroke last week—leaving fans and the sport reeling from the shock. This revelation, shared via an emotional video statement just hours ago, has cast a shadow over what was poised to be a historic night, prompting widespread sympathy and uncertainty as the boxing community processes the news.
Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion and future Hall of Famer, had been training rigorously for the bout, expressing confidence in reclaiming a title at an age when most fighters retire. His decision to step away comes after his mother’s sudden medical emergency, which has left her in critical condition at a Manila hospital. “My heart is with my family right now,” Pacquiao said, his voice breaking. “I cannot leave my mother in this moment—she needs me more than the ring does.” The announcement, made on his official social media channels, has drawn an outpouring of support from fans, with many praising his dedication to family amid a career-defining opportunity.
The fight, set to headline a Premier Boxing Champions pay-per-view on Prime Video, had generated massive buzz, with tickets starting at $1,480 and a stacked undercard featuring Sebastian Fundora vs. Tim Tszyu II. Barrios, the 30-year-old defending champion with a 29-2-1 record, expressed disappointment but understanding. “I respect Manny’s choice—this is bigger than boxing,” he told reporters, though the sudden vacancy raises questions about the event’s future. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has yet to comment officially, but sources suggest a replacement opponent or postponement is under consideration, though no decision has been finalized.
Pacquiao’s last fight in 2021, a loss to Yordenis Ugas, marked his retirement, and his planned return was seen as a chance to break records as the oldest welterweight champion. His mother’s health crisis, however, shifts the narrative, with fans on social platforms sharing condolences—“Prayers for Manny and his mom”—while speculating on the fight’s fate. The MGM Grand had prepared for a sellout crowd of 16,800, and ticket holders now face uncertainty, with refund options likely forthcoming. Barrios’ team, meanwhile, remains in training, awaiting word on a potential new challenger.
This development leaves the boxing world at a crossroads. Will Pacquiao return once his family crisis stabilizes, or does this signal a permanent end to his in-ring career? As rescue efforts continue for his mother and the Las Vegas event hangs in the balance, the sport mourns the loss of a landmark moment, captivated by a story that blends triumph with tragedy.
