After two years away from the spotlight, Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring in a headline-grabbing showdown against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. But this isn’t just about legacy—it’s also a high-stakes financial play.
With millions expected to be at stake, the bout is drawing attention not just for the action inside the ropes, but for what both fighters stand to earn. Early reports suggest hefty base purses, plus even bigger rewards tied to pay-per-view.
Barrios, entering as the defending champ, is eyeing the most lucrative night of his career. For Pacquiao, it’s a chance to add another huge payday. The full payout picture is shaping up to be just as intense as the fight itself.
How much will Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios earn?
Marca report that Manny Pacquiao is set to pocket a minimum of $12–12.5 million for stepping back into the ring—before pay-per-view or gate receipts. With PPV and ticket splits included, his total haul could rise to $17–20 million.
Mario Barrios, by contrast, has received verification of a base purse between $500,000 and $1 million, with total take potentially reaching $2.5 million after PPV and gate revenue are added.
TGB Promotions President Tom Brown looks on as Manny Pacquiao and WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios pose during their news conference on July 16, 2025. (Source: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
While both fighters are guaranteed a base amount, the real surge comes from PPV and ticket sales—especially with Pacquiao’s comeback narrative driving viewership. Marca notes that his final payday could easily tip toward $20 million, making this one of his most lucrative non-Mayweather bouts.
If the Filipino fighter wins, he’ll add another heavyweight chapter to his career—both in the record books and his bank account. A payoff in the $20 million range underscores not just his star power, but the economic heft of his legacy fight.
Barrios’s victory wouldn’t just shift the WBC belt—it’d mark his most financially significant night ever, with up to $2.5 million in earnings and new doors opening for future deals in boxing.
