The return of Manny Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) to the ring was a pleasant surprise, now reflected in the updated World Boxing Council (WBC) Welterweight rankings, where the Filipino boxing legend, at 46 years old, holds the number one spot despite fighting to a majority draw against Mario Barrios on July 19.

After nearly four years away from the ring, Pacquiao decided to return to professional boxing, and his first fight back was for the WBC Welterweight world title. Although he didn’t manage to take the belt from Barrios, who has held it since November 15, 2024, his performance earned him the top spot in the rankings.

This privileged position could soon grant him another opportunity to fight for the Welterweight world championship.

Manny Pacquiao: Number 1 in the WBC rankings

On August 8, the WBC updated its Welterweight rankings, with the surprise that Manny Pacquiao surpassed Frenchman Souleymane Cissokho and Mexican Raúl Curiel.

The level Pacquiao displayed against Mario Barrios made it clear that “Pac-Man” is still ready to compete at the highest level. However, for now, there is no official stance or offer for his return to the ring.

“Pac-Man is back, and the journey will continue,” Pacquiao declared at the post-fight press conference.

Ryan García challenges Manny Pacquiao

The ever-controversial Ryan García (King Ry) stated in an interview with The Ring that he wants to face Manny Pacquiao and claimed he would knock him out, just as Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Márquez did in 2012.

“He’s been successful with his style, but it also leaves room for mistakes and for me to connect when I come in. I know I’d give Pacquiao a lot of problems, I’d dominate him and capitalize better than others on his flaws. I’d knock him out like Juan Manuel Márquez, with all due respect to the legend Manny,” García said.