Philippines, 31 Jul 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Pacquiao's Controversial WBC Ranking Explained: "Legend" Status Cited Amid July Return


PhilBoxing.com





The boxing world is buzzing after the World Boxing Council (WBC) ranked the 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao at number five in the welterweight division, despite his four-year hiatus from the ring. This move has drawn significant criticism, particularly as Pacquiao prepares for a July showdown against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

At the WBC's weekly "Martes A Cafe" in Coyoacan, Mexico City, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman addressed the controversy head-on. "We have a rule that a fighter who has legendary status, who passes all of the medical examinations and is licensed by the local boxing commission can be eligible to fight for the WBC Title," Sulaiman explained.

He acknowledged the confusion caused by Pacquiao's ranking. "Perhaps he should have not been ranked and just gone into the fight directly. It has caused confusion to some fans and media. But the explanation is very clear. He is a legend, one of the greatest fighters, he is medically fit and has been cleared to fight and has received a license in Nevada. That is why the WBC is supporting this Voluntary Title defense by Mario Barrios."

Pacquiao, boasting a record of 62-8-2 with 39 knockouts, last fought in 2021, suffering a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas. His opponent, the 30-year-old Mario Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs), recently secured a split decision victory over Abel Ramos in November.

Sulaiman revealed that Pacquiao personally reached out to him with a specific ambition. "Manny called me and said that he wants to retire as WBC Champion. The WBC was the first title that he won, at flyweight. He then had incredible fights with Diaz, Morales, Margarito, Barrera, Marquez, The first Diamond Belt against Cotto. And so many great moments during his legendary career have been with the WBC and he wants the WBC as his farewell."

The WBC President drew parallels to other boxing greats who excelled in their forties, such as Bernard Hopkins and George Foreman. However, he also emphasized the quality of the current champion. "Mario Barrios is a very good champion," Sulaiman stated. "It's going to be a great fight."

Meanwhile the WBC president Sulaiman was in Manila this week to meet with Manny Pacquiao and MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons to officially announce and finalize the recreation of the historic "Thrilla in Manila" to commemorate its 50th anniversary this October. The original “Thrilla” was held at the Araneta Coliseum on October 1, 1975 featuring the third and final meeting between heavyweight legends Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

The upcoming bout against Mario Barrios has been dubbed Pacquiao's "swansong," marking a potential final chapter in his storied career. Despite the criticisms surrounding his ranking, the WBC's justification highlights the organization's recognition of Pacquiao's extraordinary legacy and his desire to conclude his career on his own terms. The boxing world now awaits to see if the legendary Filipino can defy age and reclaim a WBC title one last time.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Kyosuke Takami Stops Erick Rosa in 10, Becomes “The New” WBA 108 World Champion
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 31 Jul 2025
  • Immanuwel Aleem Smashes His Way To WBC FECARBOX Light Heavyweight Title and Inaugural DMV Belt With Spectacular 9th Round Stoppage Of Rival Demond Nicholson On Jeter Promotions Card
    , Thu, 31 Jul 2025
  • NP Bansalan will see action in Buhangin on Aug. 9
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 30 Jul 2025
  • USA Boxing Youth High Performance Team Begins Competition at 2025 Brandenburg Cup
    , Wed, 30 Jul 2025
  • Antonio Vargas Makes Weight, Set to Carry the USA Flag into World Title Showdown Against Daigo Higa in Japan
    , Wed, 30 Jul 2025
  • “The Homecoming” to be Headlined by Phenom Marco “El Tiburón” Romero Sept. 6 in Olathe, Kansas
    , Wed, 30 Jul 2025
  • Split-T Management Fighters Complete Perfect Weekend
    , Wed, 30 Jul 2025
  • Golden Boy Signs Top Mexican Light Heavyweight Prospect Yair “Manotas” Gallardo to Co-Promotional Deal with Miguel Cotto Promotions
    , Wed, 30 Jul 2025
  • 2-Time World Champion Shawn Porter Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 30 Jul 2025
  • EVAN HOLYFIELD SET TO CONTINUE HIS COMEBACK THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, AT CHRISTY MARTIN’S “MAYHEM IN MUSIC CITY 2”
    , Tue, 29 Jul 2025
  • The Boss Punches In: Joscelyn Olayo-Munoz Prepares for USA Boxing International Debut
    , Tue, 29 Jul 2025
  • Boxing Icon Don Elbaum Passes Away at 97
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 29 Jul 2025
  • FIGHT OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE: Andy Dominguez Defeats Byron Rojas by Split Decision To Win WBC USA Silver Light Flyweight Title on Atlantic City
    , Mon, 28 Jul 2025
  • ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI KNOCKS OUT ALBEIRO PAREDES IN SECOND ROUND OF MAIN EVENT OF FISTS OF FURY 7 AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO HOLLYWOOD
    , Mon, 28 Jul 2025
  • Hawaiian Punch: Lorenzo Patricio Closes Out Youth International Career
    , Mon, 28 Jul 2025
  • The 19th Thousand Island Cup Philippine Xiangqi Open tournament on August 3
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 28 Jul 2025
  • 3rd DC Athletics Open on Aug. 9-10 at UM
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 28 Jul 2025
  • Is Pacman Eyeing Tank? Speculation Rises for Pacquiao vs. Davis Showdown
    By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 28 Jul 2025
  • Francisco stops Dalogdog, bags Phl ‘fly’ crown
    , Mon, 28 Jul 2025
  • Boxing World Mourns the Passing of Two-Time Champion Dwight Muhammad Qawi
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 28 Jul 2025
  • ALEX ARIZA BACKS KENNETH LLOVER, CITES PACQUIAO-LIKE STYLE AHEAD OF AUGUST BOUT
    , Mon, 28 Jul 2025
  • Joseph Awinongya Targets Second International Gold Medal in Next Step Toward Olympic Dream
    , Mon, 28 Jul 2025
  • AFM Lacaron rules IIEE ECVR in Cebu, IM Chito bags IIEE Castle in the storm in Manila
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 28 Jul 2025
  • Nakagawa Claims WBO Oriental 126 Belt; Griffiths, Arsalan, Phanaluk Score Exciting Wins in Brico Santig's Show in Thailand (PHOTOS)
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 27 Jul 2025
  • TWO-TIME OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST CLARESSA SHIELDS SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS HER UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT CROWN
    , Sun, 27 Jul 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.