• Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring after a five-year lay-off

• Mario Barrios is hoping to extend his unbeaten record to five fights

• Recommended bet: Mario Barrios to win by decision

Hall-of-Famer Manny Pacquiao makes his surprise return to boxing on Sunday as he prepares to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The 46-year-old has not fought competitively since 2021 and he will aim to become boxing's oldest welterweight world champion. Pacquiao currently holds the record for the oldest welterweight champion after beating Keith Thurman in 2019 at the age of 40 to win the WBA welterweight crown.

The Filipino was reinstated by the WBC at number five in their world rankings after a long absence, and he will look to win his 63rd fight as a professional this week.

The stats

Pacquiao has won 62 of his 72 fights, with 39 of those victories coming by way of knockout.

Pac Man's last victory came in 2019, when he beat Thurman, but he will have the superior experience, having won world titles in eight divisions.

Barrios has won 29 of his 32 bouts, with 18 stoppages on his record.

The 30-year-old was held to a draw by Abel Ramos in November, but he had beaten Jovanie Santiago, Yordenis Ugas, and Fabian Andres Maidana before that contest.

The latest Mario Barrios vs Manny Pacquiao odds are available on LiveScore Bet.

Prediction

Pacquiao's return is a surprise, especially when he has achieved everything he wanted and more during the first part of his career.

While the history books and filmmakers would love the 46-year-old to roll back the years, time waits for nobody in boxing. Pacquiao was known for his speed and fast footwork, but that should fade after a few rounds.

Barrios is 16 years younger than Pacquiao and even if he takes his time to assess the Filipino, he should come on strong in the latter stages of the fight.

During his time at welterweight, Pacquiao struggled to produce the power needed to stun his rivals and he would need to outbox Barrios for 12 rounds.

Pacquiao's legacy is at risk of being tarnished and for Barrios, a defeat would be a PR disaster.

The American should be able to bide his time and take control of the fight, but he will not want to take any unnecessary risks and put himself in danger.

If Barrios can stay out of trouble for the first four rounds, he should then take over and outwork Pacquiao to record a simple points victory.

Back Mario Barrios to win by decision at 37/20 with LiveScore Bet.