The return of Manny Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 knockouts) to the ring continues to spark debate. The Filipino boxer, at 46 years old, made a comeback to boxing and, far from showing poor form, surprised the world by challenging Mario Barrios in a fight that ended in a draw.

It’s no secret that the return of a legend generates a lot of excitement but also plenty of controversy. Against this backdrop, Mauricio Sulaimán, President of the World Boxing Council (WBC), was questioned about the boxers Pacquiao bypassed to secure a title shot against Barrios.

Mauricio Sulaimán defends the World Boxing Council’s stance

The head of the boxing organization explained why Manny Pacquiao was positioned as Barrios’ challenger. In short, he was asked about Pacquiao’s return after four and a half years with a chance to win the super welterweight championship without any tune-up fights.

“We have a regulation that allows for the provision that an extraordinary boxer, like Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Márquez, or Vitali Klitschko, can submit a petition to the council to return,” Sulaimán stated in an interview with ProBox TV.

“As long as they pass the medical exams and obtain a boxer’s license from the commission where the fight will take place, we can vote to approve or deny their return. The World Boxing Council voted and approved Pacquiao to fight Barrios, and I’m surprised you’re still questioning it, Jalim, because Pacquiao himself shut you up,” he added, making it clear that Pacquiao didn’t just return to be pitied but performed at an excellent level.

Sulaimán took the opportunity to open the door to other boxers, and one could even interpret that he invited Juan Manuel Márquez to return to the ring. “We’re talking about Manny Pacquiao, and Manny Pacquiao came back and proved himself with a great fight, and I’m certain that if Juan Manuel Márquez decided to return, he would receive the same treatment because he’s a healthy young man who has taken care of his physical integrity. It’s different; each proposal must be evaluated.”

The Filipino boxer aimed to become the oldest boxer to win the welterweight championship in the same stadium where it all began. Even so, he left a positive impression on both fans and experts, and Mauricio Sulaimán insists on defending the WBC’s decision to allow him to fight again. “Manny Pacquiao had a great fight against Barrios, and I am very satisfied with the World Boxing Council’s decision.”