In a message shared on social media, Pacquiao excitedly proclaimed, "I'm back. Let's make history." His resurgence comes after the WBC controversially reinstated him in their rankings at number five. WBC president Mauricio Suliman supported the decision, citing that Pacquiao has been medically cleared to participate in the fight. Pacquiao lost his last match against Yordenis Ugas in August 2021 and has since ventured into politics in his home country, though he recently fell short in a senate bid in the Philippines.