Don’t sell Manny short
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 05 Aug 2020
The London weekly trade magazine Boxing News recently took a close look at the world’s top 10 welterweights and came to the conclusion that reigning super WBA champion Manny Pacquiao is only the fourth best in the 147-pound division behind No. 1 Errol Spence, No. 2 Terence Crawford and No. 3 Shawn Porter.
In contrast, the latest pound-for-pound ratings place Pacquiao at No. 10 by The Ring Magazine, No. 9 by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA), No. 10 by ESPN and No. 7 by the popular website boxrec. The Ring, BWAA and boxrec rate Canelo Alvarez as the world’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter while ESPN considers Vasyl Lomachenko the best. So even as Boxing News rated Pacquiao only No. 4 among welterweights, he’s in the top 10 of the pound-for-pound ladders of four authoritative bodies.
With rumors swirling that Pacquiao is being lined up for a fight before the year ends, MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons said, “(it) seems like everyone wants the Senator.” No doubt, he remains a big-ticket item even in a situation where boxing shows prohibit a live audience. Pacquiao, at 41, is still an elite marquee fighter and that’s why he’s in the top 10 of the world’s pound-for-pound ratings. Because undefeated Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is retired, he’s not in the ratings. If he un-retires and it looks like he will, Mayweather could re-enter the top 10 but that will depend on how he performs in his comeback fight.
Although Pacquiao has been quoted as saying he won’t fight until there’s a vaccine, it’s not stopping speculation of a duel with Mikey Garcia in Saudi Arabia or an exhibition with a Japanese fighter in Papua New Guinea or a title defense in Macau or a showdown with Crawford or a battle against MMA's Conor McGregor or a rematch with Mayweather. While Pacquiao is hot news even as he’s staying quiet in General Santos City, it appears that Mayweather is envious and doesn’t want to miss out on the media buzz. He recently said he’s negotiating a deal in Japan for a comeback. The ideal situation is for Pacquiao and Mayweather to win their next fights then they advance to a blockbuster reunion, probably when COVID-19 is licked and the world is back to normal next year.
Here’s how Boxing News sized up Pacquiao: “Considering that Pacquiao turned pro 25 years ago and has been written off several times during the last 10 of those, it’s a genuine miracle that he can still operate at this level … since Mayweather beat him in 2015, he’s won five of six against fighters like Bradley, Vargas, Broner and Thurman … a phenomenon … though his power has faded, he remains a formidable attacking force with the ability to put the kind of combinations together few other fighters in history can match … despite his successes, has been carefully matched in recent years … taking on someone at their peak like Spence or Crawford might be something of a shock to the veteran’s system … of the three above him, you’d give him a chance against Porter but little against the other two … the miracle man is surely close to the end.”
When Pacquiao’s boxing career will end is strictly up to him. But between you and me, he’s got a few more surprises up his sleeve. Don’t sell Pacquiao short. He may be No. 4 in Boxing News’ welterweight rankings but Pacquiao will always be No. 1 in the heart of every Filipino fan.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Cebuano "Money Punch" Elmo Traya Heading to Georgia for WBF World Title Shot!
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 16 Apr 2026Unfinished Business: Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright Super Lightweight Rematch Set for May 16 at Norfolk’s Scope Arena LIVE on DAZN
Thu, 16 Apr 2026Rhaki Constantino bags Asian HeyBall Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 16 Apr 2026GARNICA VS. CORREA SET FOR WBC CONTINENTAL AMERICAS TITLE CLASH IN LONG BEACH MAY 15
Wed, 15 Apr 2026IBA Board of Directors convenes for strategic April 2026 meeting
Wed, 15 Apr 2026Cadalso to turn pro in Juego Todo
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 15 Apr 20262-Time World Champion Shawn Porter Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2 in Las Vegas
Wed, 15 Apr 2026Former Coach of De La Salle University Taft-Manila finishes third place in Beijing Blitz Grand Prix
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 15 Apr 2026"When one goes to war we all go to war!" – Owen Corrigan challenges Mad Dog Micah Rivetti for Light Heavyweight title May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Crocs FC wins 3 titles in Football sa Bayan
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Chess Kings Ready to Battle in Pacquiao 3x3 Chess Team Tournament at Lica Malls 500 Shaw
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Manguyab to debut in RFL
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Simsri Crushes Mendoza, Retains IBF 108-lbs Title; Could A Filipino Challenger Fight Simsri Next? (Analysis)
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Manny Pacquiao and Jas Mathur via Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announce Nine-Figure Team Boxing League Partnership, Launching Manny Pacquiao’s San Diego TJ’s Franchise
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Pabular loses by a split decision
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026