Manny Pacquiao reacts after his WBC welterweight title fight against Mario Barrios at MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight was declared a majority draw and Barrios retained his title. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines–After a stellar showing in his comeback fight, Manny Pacquiao climbed to No. 1 contender in the most recent World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight rankings.
The Filipino boxing icon was previously rated at No. 5 when he unretired at 46 years old to challenge WBC champion Mario Barrios last July 20.
READ: Manny Pacquiao says he’s fighting again in December
While Pacquiao rose to the highest of the WBC rankings, many imagine that he should’ve been the champion.
Barrios barely held on to maintain his belt after he and Pacquiao battled to a majority draw.
The final result didn’t sit well with nearly all of spectators, including several analysts and champion fighters.
Just weeks after going toe-to-toe with Barrios, Pacquiao is already planning to fight again in December.
READ: Pacquiao turns back on politics to further fighting legacy
The Hall-of-Famer and boxing’s only eight-division champion has several options for his next bout with the likes of WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero and Gervonta Davis a possibility. A rematch with Barrios can be on the table.
Pacquiao, who turns 47 years old on December 17, returned to the country on Thursday after spending a vacation in Postano, Italy with wife Jinkee.