Manny Pacquiao astonishingly reaches new heights at age 46 as full WBC welterweight rankings released

Manny Pacquiao’s iconic career has reached a remarkable late peak far beyond his prime.

Having only fought in exhibition matches since his 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugas, Pacquiao returned to the professional scene on July 19.

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Pacquiao’s professional record sits at 62-8-3[/caption]

When his comeback bout with Barrios was announced, Pacquiao initially claimed a place on the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight rankings, as No.5.

Although that was short-lived as the sanctioning body didn’t rank him across June or July as he was subsequently removed after backlash.

Despite being a heavy underdog, Pacquiao earned a draw against Barrios and was perhaps unfortunate to not score victory, defying odds with a brilliant display.

The WBC have since announced their updated August rankings and Pacquiao has now re-entered the list, replacing the previous No.1 Souleymane Cissokho in the top spot.

The 46-year-old now falls second only to the welterweight world champion Barrios, who successfully defended his title when the pair met last month.

After a four-year hiatus, the Filipino attempted to break the record that he had previously set when he beat Keith Thurman in 2019.

Pacquiao wanted to become boxing’s oldest welterweight champion, for a second time, but for now this remains a dream.

While his effort in the ring was valiant, the bout was ruled as a majority decision draw despite many thinking that Pacquiao was snubbed of a win.

One of the judges had it 115-113 in Barrios’ favour, while the other two scored it an even 114-114.

Pacquiao has vowed to continue his comeback in the hopes of returning to winning ways.

What’s next for Manny Pacquiao?

As it stands an opponent is yet to be named, but plenty of men are vying for a bout with ‘Pac Man’.

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Pacquiao was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2025[/caption]

A rematch with Barrios is the obvious way for Pacquiao to be in with a chance of renewing his own record.

His advisor, Sean Gibbons, has made it clear that he thinks the best move for his fighter is to pursue a new rival instead of a rematch.

After impressing upon his return, the 12-time world champion has revealed his next bout will be in December.

Should that be the case, Rolando Romero and Gervonta Davis seem to be the top contenders for his next outing.

Pacquiao’s decorated career so far has seen him fight the likes of Ricky Hatton, Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley and Floyd Mayweather.

The latter two of his foes both remain open to a rematch with the Filipino superstar, despite Mayweather currently being retired.