“This is the hardest decision I’ve ever made, but I’m at peace with it. Chase your dreams, work hard, and watch what happens. Goodbye boxing.” Those were the parting words of Manny Pacquiao—the sport’s only eight-division world champion—after his final career defeat to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021. But true to the nature of legends, he couldn’t stay away for long.

Initially, the 46-year-old contented himself with exhibition bouts, sharing the ring with DK Yoo in December 2022 and Rukiya Anpo in July 2024. Yet, it’s clear now those were only warm-ups. The fire still burns. Pacquiao is officially returning to professional boxing on July 19 in Las Vegas, where he’ll challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. But how is a title fight even possible after a four-year layoff?

Manny Pacquiao gets reinstated in the WBC rankings

While rumors of a comeback floated for years, nothing materialized as Pacquiao shifted focus to politics. From 2016 to 2022, he served in the Philippine Senate and even launched a presidential campaign, which ultimately fell short. Many believed he had closed the chapter on boxing for good.

However, as his return becomes reality, the WBC has given ‘Pac-Man’ the No. 5 spot in its welterweight rankings, clearing the way for a title shot despite his prolonged absence. The reason? A special clause in the sanctioning body’s policy, which is known as ‘Champion Emeritus’ status.

Reserved for fighters who’ve made historic contributions to the sport, this designation grants elite boxers the right to challenge for a world title upon return, bypassing the usual eliminator and ranking protocols. Now, Pacquiao steps back into the spotlight, not just chasing another belt, but adding another chapter to one of boxing’s most storied legacies.

However, the path to glory isn’t as simple as the WBC or ‘Pac-Man’ may have hoped. As the boxing legend pursues the WBC strap, he had failed to acquire during his 2015 fight against Floyd Mayweather, the boxing world has erupted with criticism towards the sanctioning body.

Pacquiao causes worry for his well-being

Even though the 46-year-old is a seasoned boxer, many are fearful about his abilities at his age, especially after his performance against Anpo last year. One user suggested that Pacquiao was only allowed on the WBC rankings because he was in WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman’s good books. “Must be nice being in Mauricio Slimey Sulaiman’s good book,” the user commented. However, as mentioned before, it was the special clause that allowed Pacquiao to get back in the rankings and fight for the title. 

The next user immediately took issue with the special treatment ‘Pac-Man’ was given. “Lol wtf, great boxer and could probably still do it, but how can he enter inside the top 10,” the user asked. Notably, WBA also has a similar provision that allows legendary fighters to return and challenge for the title. 

Meanwhile, this user felt that Pacquiao could get seriously hurt because of the fight. “[They are] gonna get this man seriously hurt, and it’s sad what the WBC is doing,” the user lamented. However, it’s unlikely that the fight itself can be stopped on those grounds, as even Mike Tyson was allowed to fight Jake Paul in a professional fight. 

Someone else had similar thoughts about the fight and Pacquiao’s inclusion in the rankings. “How can he be ranked if he hasn’t fought for a few years. What a joke? I love Manny, but he needs to stay retired so he doesn’t get hurt,” the user wrote. Notably, if the 46-year-old is coming back, at least, he knows that he can take it. 

Another user took digs at the sanctioning body for allowing this to happen. “‘WBC -we be crooks’ – James Toney,” the user wrote. Popularly, James Toney had issues with sanctioning bodies, having often voiced his disdain for them. 

That said, it appears Manny Pacquiao’s inclusion in the WBC rankings really didn’t sit well with the fans. However, what are your thoughts on the matter?