FOLLOWING a remarkable return to the ring—regardless of the match’s result—46-year-old Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao was named the top Welterweight contender by the World Boxing Council (WBC).
It appears the Filipino boxing icon didn’t just step back into the ring, but also reclaimed his place atop the contenders list for the very title he aimed to capture from Mario “El Azteca” Barrios last July 19, 2025.
Though the fight concluded in a majority draw and he had just two months to prepare after an unsuccessful senatorial run in May, Pacquiao’s performance was undoubtedly one for the books.
Back on Top
The WBC has ranked the legendary eight-division world champion at No. 1, placing him above WBC Silver Welterweight champion Souleymane Cissokho of France, along with Raul Curiel of Mexico, Conor Benn of Great Britain, and Egidijus Kavaliauskas of Lithuania.
Rounding out the top 10 are Thulani Mbenge of South Africa (6th), Jack Catterall of Great Britain (7th), Eimantas Stanionis of Lithuania (8th), Rohan Polanco of the Dominican Republic (9th), and Abel Ramos of the United States (10th).
Pacquiao now holds a professional record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 3 draws in a storied career that saw him initially retire in 2021 after falling to Yordenis Ugas.
He returned to the Philippines on Thursday following a vacation in Italy with his wife, Jinkee, after his recent comeback bout. Though he didn’t capture the title, Pacquiao expressed satisfaction with his performance.
“For me, ha, kasi hindi man sa pagbuhat ng upuan. For four years na layoff, walang fight, and then 12 rounds na intense, ‘yung kalaban ko younger than me. Satisfied ako sa naging condition ko,” Pacquiao told a media.
“But hindi pa ‘yun talaga ang 100% na gusto ko makuha, ‘yung speed, ‘yung timing, ‘yung more punches na gusto ko maabot. Kaya lang, two months, for two months’ training, okay na,” he added.
Pacquiao previously admitted he lacked sufficient training time, having been preoccupied with his Senate campaign in the months leading up to the fight. The “Pacman” is eyeing a return to the ring later this year, possibly in December.
While a rematch with Barrios has been ruled out by MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons, potential future opponents for Pacquiao include Gervonta Davis and Rolly Romero.
