Pacquiao Tops WBC Welter Class Ranking, Ready To Rise Ring Again At 46 Years Old

JAKARTA - Boxing legend from the Philippines, Manny Pacquiao, ranks at the top of the list of the latest welterweight boxers (66.6 kg) according to the World Boxing Council (WBC).

Based on the official WBC website monitored in Jakarta, Sunday, August 10, Pacquiao is in first position even without holding the title.

The second place is inhabited by Souleymane Cissokho from France who holds the WBC Silver welterweight title, followed by Raul Curiel from Mexico in third place with the title The North American Boxing Federation (NABF).

Meanwhile, the fourth position is occupied by Conor Benn from England, followed by Egidijus Kavaliauskas from Lithuania.

In the July rankings list, Pacquiao is still under WBC welterweight title holder Mario Barios. However, on the latest list, Pacquiao skyrocketed to the top position after the draw against Barios in a duel at the MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas, United States, on Saturday, July 19.

The fight ended with a score of 115-113, 114-114, and 114-114, marking Pacquiao's return to the boxing ring at the age of 46. Previously, he last fought in August 2021 and lost an absolute number to Yordenis Ugas.

Pacquiao, once world champion in eight different divisions, admits fighting again to end his career as WBC champion. With that draw, his record is now 62 wins (39 KOs), eight defeats, and three draws.

Both Pacquiao and Barios have expressed interest in holding a rematch, although there is no official schedule yet. Pacquiao confirmed he would be in the ring again this year, in December to be precise, but has yet to announce his opponent.

Pacquiao's ability to maintain at dusk raises speculation about his next potential opponent. Floyd Mayweather's name was mentioned, considering that the two met a decade ago with a win on Mayweather's side. In addition, WBA welterweight champion Rolando 'Rolly' Romero, also on radar.

Pacquiao didn't even close the chance to face Gervonta Davis, but he said the match would only happen after the business with Barios was over.