Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao shatters expectations at 46, ascending as a ranked WBC welterweight contender
Manny Pacquiao Tops WBC Welterweight Rankings After Draw with Mario Barrios
Manny Pacquiao, the legendary boxer, has made a sensational return to the professional boxing scene and is now ranked No.1 in the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight rankings [2][3][4][5]. This comes after his comeback bout with Mario Barrios, the current WBC welterweight champion, ended in a majority draw on July 19 [2].
Despite not securing the title, the WBC has recognised Pacquiao's high-level performance and placed him as the number one contender, potentially providing him an immediate opportunity for another title shot [2][4].
The official WBC rankings showcase Pacquiao's name prominently, with the reigning champion Mario Barrios holding the top spot since November 15, 2024 [2]. Pacquiao's record stands at 62 wins, 8 losses, and 3 draws with 39 KOs, while Barrios holds a record of 29-2-2 with 18 KOs [4].
Following the update in the WBC rankings in August, Pacquiao has replaced Souleymane Cissokho to take the top spot [2]. Some of the other notable names in the rankings include Rolando Romero and Gervonta Davis, who seem to be the top contenders for Pacquiao's next outing [6].
The bout between Pacquiao and Barrios was a closely contested one, with the judges scoring it as a majority decision draw. Despite being a heavy underdog, Pacquiao's performance was impressive, keeping him in the running for the title [7].
Pacquiao had expressed his desire to become boxing's oldest welterweight champion for a second time, but for now, this dream remains unrealised. He has, however, revealed his next bout will be in December [8].
The latest and current WBC welterweight rankings also feature other notable contenders such as Thulani Mbenge (No.6), Conor Benn (No.4), Eimantas Stanionis (No.9), Giovani Santillan (No.13), Raul Curiel (No.3), Jack Catterall (No.8), Angel Fierro (No.12), Karen Chukhadzhian (No.14), and Samuel Molina (No.15) [1][2][3][4].
[1] WBC Welterweight Rankings - August 2025 [2] Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios Fight Results and Analysis [3] Manny Pacquiao Returns to the Ring: A Look at His Comeback Bout with Mario Barrios [4] Manny Pacquiao's Boxing Record [5] Manny Pacquiao's Journey to the Top of the WBC Welterweight Rankings [6] Potential Opponents for Manny Pacquiao's Next Fight [7] Manny Pacquiao Earns a Draw Against Mario Barrios: A Closer Look at the Controversial Decision [8] Manny Pacquiao Announces His Next Fight: A Preview of the Upcoming Bout in December
Manny Pacquiao's high-level performance in boxing has earned him the top spot in the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight rankings, making him a contender for another title shot in the sport of boxing. This new position comes following his comeback bout with Mario Barrios, the current WBC welterweight champion.
Boxing continues to be a significant part of Pacquiao's career, as he aims for another title and remains active in the ring with other notable contenders such as Rolando Romero and Gervonta Davis.
