WBC controversially removes Manny Pacquiao from welterweight rankings
- Manny Pacquiao's inclusion in the WBC welterweight rankings was briefly celebrated but overturned due to it being a mistake.
- WBC chairman Mauricio Sulaimán acknowledged the removal of Pacquiao from the rankings as necessary after granting him fight permission.
- The returns of both Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire highlight the ongoing legacies of distinguished Filipino boxers in the face of changing rankings and new challengers.
In June 2025, the World Boxing Council, commonly known as WBC, executed a remarkable reversal by removing Manny Pacquiao from their welterweight rankings. This decision came one month after the boxing organization controversially included the eight-time world champion at the fifth spot in their ratings, a move that sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. The WBC's rules permitted Pacquiao, a champion emeritus, to challenge for the title; however, WBC chairman Mauricio Sulaimán later indicated that reinserting Pacquiao into the ratings was unnecessary and acknowledged it as a mistake. Despite granting him permission to fight, Sulaimán clarified intentions to revert the rankings after evaluating the forthcoming fight. The clear implications of this decision highlight the dynamic nature of boxing rankings and the influence of sanctioning bodies on fighters' statuses, especially considering the myriad movements of other fighters in various weight classes that occurred simultaneously in this update. Adding to the eventful boxing landscape, Nonito Donaire, another renowned Filipino boxer, is gearing up to return to the ring in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after a two-year hiatus. Known as the 'Filipino Flash,' Donaire, aged 42, will go against Andres Campos in a twelve-round contest at the Casino Buenos Aires. This matchup marks Donaire's comeback after suffering losses in his previous two fights—most notably against Alexandro Santiago in July 2023 for the WBC world bantamweight title. As conflict arises on multiple fronts, both Pacquiao and Donaire's returns to boxing resonate with feelings of nostalgia and intrigue within the sport's community, underlining their enduring legacies, particularly in the context of their advanced ages as they continue pursuing careers characterized by their storied histories. The pay-per-view boxing scene remains ever-changing, and fans harbor high expectations for both upcoming fights. While Manny Pacquiao's ratings status can be perceived as a temporary setback, the athletic prowess and goodwill surrounding him show no signs of diminishing. Similarly, Nonito Donaire's return allows fans to reflect on past triumphs while also harboring hopes for future success. This juxtaposition of veteran boxers striving to remain relevant in an industry brimming with new talent encapsulates the thrill of boxing, alongside the strategic nature of rankings governed by sanctioning bodies that continually shape the path for established fighters to navigate their careers effectively. In conclusion, as fight dates approach, boxing enthusiasts around the globe will eagerly anticipate the outcomes of these compelling narratives and how they may reverberate through the rest of the boxing world. This reflects an ongoing testament to the sport's ability to bring stories of resilience, legacy, and the relentless pursuit of greatness, which significantly captivates audiences worldwide.