The World Boxing Council has dropped a thunderbolt into the welterweight mix, adding 46‑year‑old Manny Pacquiao at No. 5 in its latest 147‑pound rankings despite four years of inactivity. The move all but green‑lights a WBC title clash with champion Mario Barrios, tentatively set for July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, with an official press conference pencilled in for May 20 in Los Angeles.
Pacquiao hasn’t fought since losing a decision to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021, but he has stayed busy with exhibitions and will be enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 8, just five weeks before the proposed comeback. The eight‑division icon is chasing an unprecedented fifth reign at welterweight.
Barrios became full champion last summer when Terence Crawford vacated, then retained via a bloody draw with Abel Ramos in November. At six feet tall, the San Antonio native concedes experience but not size, and insiders say PBC has already reserved pay‑per‑view dates with Prime Video.
Critics, including former world champion Spencer Oliver, have blasted the WBC’s fast‑track as “dangerous special treatment,” noting Pacquiao’s age and long lay‑off, while Amir Khan warns Barrios’ youth and rangy jab are genuine threats. Nonetheless, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman counters that Pacquiao “remains one of the sport’s greatest attractions” and has passed all medical checks required by the Nevada commission.
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