MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has announced his return from retirement to fight Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight crown in July. The announcement was made on Thursday, shortly after Pacquiao conceded defeat in his recent bid for another seat in the Philippines Senate.

The timing of Pacquiao's comeback coincides with his impending induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June, marking a significant milestone in his storied sports career, which has inspired countless Filipinos. A press statement released by his team highlighted that this comeback is a part of Pacquiao's ongoing legacy in the sport.

Though details remain unclear if the fight will be a one-time event or signal Pacquiao's return to full-time boxing after a four-year hiatus, his communications officer, Joey Hernal, suggested that further clarification would come during Pacquiao's own press conference.

Despite the electoral setback, Pacquiao conveyed his gratitude for the support he received during the elections, expressing appreciation for both his voters and those who did not vote for him. He emphasized that the political defeat does not diminish his commitment to serve the Filipino people. "I may not have won in my run for the Senate, but I am totally grateful for each vote, each prayer and support," Pacquiao stated in Filipino. He added, "The fight continues. Service continues. For God. For the country. For each Filipino."

Pacquiao's political history includes a term as senator from 2016 to 2022, during which he also pursued the presidency in the 2022 elections, but was unsuccessful. In the recent mid-term elections, he sought to return to the Senate but finished 18th out of candidates, with only the top 12 securing a seat.

His forthcoming induction into the Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York, highlights his status as one of the most accomplished boxers in history, being a world champion across eight different weight divisions, from flyweight to super welterweight. Pacquiao concluded his illustrious boxing career in 2021, amassing a record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws with 39 knockouts.

In a related note, Mario Barrios recently retained the WBC welterweight title after a draw against Abel Ramos last November in Arlington, Texas, setting the stage for his matchup with Pacquiao. As the Philippines looks toward the boxing legend's upcoming fight, many fans are eager to see how this new chapter in his career unfolds.