by Manny Pacquiao originally released new rankings on the edge of history on Athlon Sports.
Ranking Shake-Up gives the boxing legend a direct path to another title shot
The return from Manny Pacquiao to the boxing ring was downright remarkable. At the age of 46, the former multi-division champion fought against a draw against the much younger, 30-year-old WBC Welterweight champion Mario Barrios. In a fight, many observers found that Pacquiao had done enough to win downright, the legend showed flashes of his vintage form. And although the official judgment was not a victory, Pacquiao was still running away with something of important value.
According to the WBC reviews released on Friday, the performance of Pacquiao against Barrios has delivered him the number 1 candidate place in the organization’s welterweight ranking.
That status offers him a clear path to a different chance of the world title. Although the global popularity of Pacquiao has often circumvented the need for rankings to protect large fights, the designation eliminates potential sanctioning body road blocks. It also paves the way for a rematch with barrios – a fight that now seems realistic than ever.
This places Pacquiao in position to chase history again. Not only could he break his own record as the oldest Welterweight champion, but he could also achieve something unknown – win a title after he was already inaugurated in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. No hunter has ever achieved that, especially after receiving the symbolic plaque and handshake in Canastota.
Pacquiao confirmed his return to the Ring in December, making this ranking an important development in what could be one of the bravest activities of Boxing. History calls and Pacquiao answers.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on August 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
