Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao's return is CONFIRMED... with exhibition bout announced ahead of potential world title fight versus Mario Barrios

Manny Pacquiao's boxing return has been confirmed ahead of a potential world title fight next year.

The 45-year-old, who last boxed professionally in 2021, hasn't stepped inside a ring since his exhibition bout against DK Yoo in December 2022, but is targeting Mario Barrios and the WBC welterweight title.

Amid his target, he told ESPN: 'I made history at 40 in beating Keith Thurman and I feel at 45 that 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 go out making history.'

The return would mark a shock match for Pacquiao, with Barrios, 16 years younger than the veteran, suffering just two losses in his 31-fight career to date.

One of those losses, however, was against Thurman, who Pacquiao beat, and the Filipino's warm-up fight has now been booked in.

Manny Pacquiao's boxing return has been confirmed ahead of a potential world title fight

The 45-year-old is targeting a WBC welterweight title fight against Mario Barrios (pictured)

He will, however, first take on Rizin Fighting Federation featherweight champion Chihiro Suzuki (pictured) in an exhibition bout

Pacquiao will take on Rizin Fighting Federation featherweight champion Chihiro Suzuki on July 28 in Saitama, Japan, at 150lbs.

The bout will be held over three three-minute rounds in order to help Pacquiao stay sharp, with the fight given exhibition status.

He had announced his retirement after losing to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021, but Manny Macquiao Promotions president Sean Gibbons has revealed the boxing icon is looking for one last title triumph in his career.

'Manny is looking at that option to fight Mario Barrios,' Gibbons told Sky Sports. 'He loves the idea of finishing his career by winning the WBC title. That was his first belt way back.

'Over the next 2 weeks, we are going to try to make the fight.'

Pacquiao beat Keith Thurman (right) at the age of 40, one of only two men to have toppled Barrios

His last exhibition bout was in 2022, with July's fight set to consist of three three-minute rounds

The belt the pair are targeting was made vacant by the WBC due to Terence Crawford being made a 'champion in recess' due to his inactivity, with Barrios, the interim champions, promoted.

Barrios won the belt by defeating Ugas on points in September 2023.