Legendary Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao is inching closer to a potential world title fight as the World Boxing Council (WBC) has officially placed him in their welterweight rankings. The 46-year-old, who last competed professionally in August 2021, now holds the No.5 position in the 147lbs division. This move clears a significant hurdle for a proposed bout against current WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, tentatively scheduled for July in Las Vegas. Despite mixed reactions from boxing analysts and fans, Pacquiao remains confident about his abilities and legacy within the sport.
The latest development marks a pivotal moment in Pacquiao's career resurgence. According to WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, the veteran fighter has been granted approval to compete against Barrios, marking what could be one of the most anticipated matches of the year. Sulaiman highlighted Pacquiao’s storied history with the organization, noting that his first world title victory came under the WBC banner at flyweight. Now, the Filipino icon aims to conclude his illustrious career by reclaiming the welterweight championship.
Despite being inactive for nearly four years, Pacquiao insists he still possesses the skills necessary to challenge top-tier opponents. In an interview with ESPN last year, he expressed confidence in his physical condition, citing minimal wear and tear over recent years as a key factor. His assertion aligns with past achievements such as defeating Keith Thurman at age 40, which solidified his place among boxing greats. Nevertheless, skeptics question whether the seasoned athlete can replicate such success at this stage of his career.
Criticism surrounding the decision to sanction the fight stems from concerns about fairness and competitive integrity. Commentators like Spencer Oliver argue that allowing Pacquiao to bypass ranking protocols sets a troubling precedent. They point out his lackluster performance during an exhibition match against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo last summer, where he appeared significantly older and less agile than expected. Such doubts fuel ongoing debates about whether governing bodies should prioritize tradition over merit when considering high-profile matchups.
Regardless of these controversies, the stage appears set for a historic showdown between two generations of talent. With both fighters eager to prove themselves inside the ring, all eyes will turn toward Las Vegas this summer as they vie for supremacy in the welterweight division. Whether this encounter serves as a triumphant finale or a bittersweet chapter in Manny Pacquiao's legacy remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: it promises to captivate audiences worldwide.