Ring legend Manny Pacquiao returns after four years – the WBC ranks the “Pac Man” as the number one welterweight.
Manny Pacquiao, former world champion in eight weight classes, has catapulted himself to number one in the WBC rankings after his thrilling comeback fight. The 46-year-old welterweight fought to a majority draw against reigning WBC world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on July 19.
Discussions about classification
For Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 knockouts), it was his first appearance in the ring in almost four years. He had previously lost his WBA welterweight title to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous points decision at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in August 2021.
In the run-up to the duel with Barrios, the WBC ranking of the boxing idol was already causing discussion. Pacquiao was ranked fifth by the world association without any recent fights. After the draw, he has now overtaken Souleymane Cissokho. The Frenchman secured the “WBC Silver” title in May with a clear points victory over Egidijus Kavaliauskas. Raul Curiel (Mexico) currently occupies third place in the rankings, followed by England’s Conor Benn in fourth place. Lithuanian Kavaliauskas completes the top 5.
Future of “Pac Man” still unclear
Pacquiao’s next move is still unclear. A rematch against Barrios is on the cards, but nothing has been officially confirmed. Strikingly, the “Pac Man” is not currently listed with the three other major world federations.