The Filipino icon, 46, ended his glittering career in the ring in 2021 but has been lured back to the sport for a WBC welterweight world title fight against Mario Barrios in Las Vegas on July 19.

Pacquiao wrote on social media: "I'm back. On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

"Let's make history!"

The boxing great became world champion in eight divisions during a career that saw him win 62 of his 72 bouts and bowed out of the sport after losing to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision in August 2021.

Pacquiao has since focused on his political career as a senator in his Philippines homeland between 2016 and 2022 before a failed attempt at the presidency, where he announced defeat in his latest bid for office last week.

Retired British boxer Amir Khan knows Barrios well, as the pair were formerly sparring partners, and claims that the American could be a "tricky" opponent for Pac Man.

Khan told Sky Sports: "It's a fantastic fight for Mario, he needs that big fight. He'll be paid well and fighting a legend like Manny Pacquiao, who would say no to that?

"Mario deserves this fight because every fighter wants that big payday. It will be fantastic for him."

The former pugilist added: "He's a very good boxer. I don't know how much Manny's got left in him. If they were in their prime, in their peak, then I'd say all day Manny Pacquiao. But this could be a tricky fight for Pacquiao."