Pacquiao's Controversial WBC Ranking Explained: "Legend" Status Cited Amid July Return
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 15 May 2025
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.
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