Fans React After WBC Rank Manny As Number One Contender – ‘What's Boxing Becoming?'

Fans have reacted angrily to the WBC elevating Manny Pacquiao to the number-one ranked spot in their welterweight rankings. 

The news comes after the 46-year-old Pacquiao secured a majority draw against WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios on July 19. Prior to the fight, Manny was ranked fifth, which was controversial in itself since he had not boxed professionally since his 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugas. The landscape of the welterweight rankings suggests that fighters such as Raul Curiel, Rohan Polanco, and Eimantas Stanionis should be ranked higher.

Following the Barrios fight, Pacquiao’s team have suggested that they do not want the Barrios rematch. Barrios is not the biggest name, as Pacman has talked up a possible rematch with Floyd Mayweather to avenge his 2015 loss. Pacquiao has also spoken about a possible bout against Gervonta Davis.

The Future

That would depend on whether Tank would be willing to move up from 135, while there is also the question of his possible rematch with Lamont Roach Jr. Other names such as Rolando Romero and Ryan Garcia have also been linked, although the pair are also reportedly in talks for a rematch. However, the current rankings have not gone down well. 

"If Manny Pacquiao does want to fight me and make big money in a huge fight, then let’s do it. If not, that’s OK with me. I can fight Rolly in a rematch. Either route is OK with me. I would knock him out like Juan Manuel Marquez," Garcia said 

"I don’t see why Barrios again. There’s Rolly Romero, ‘Tank’ Davis. Why do it again? Mario Barrios doesn’t draw anything and brings nothing to the table but that belt. Rolly Romero would be an unbelievably fun fight and one hell of a promotion," Sean Gibbons (Manny’s manager) said 

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