Manny Pacquiao, a 45-year-old retired boxer, has been endorsed by the World Boxing Council (WBC) to fight for a welterweight world title. This decision comes despite Pacquiao’s absence from the ring since his defeat to Yordenis Ugas in 2021 and subsequent retirement announcement. However, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has left the door open for Pacquiao to return to world championship action.
In 2009, Ricky Hatton faced a devastating one-punch knockout defeat against Pacquiao, who is considered a multi-weight world champion. Sulaiman praised Pacquiao as “timeless” and “a legend.” He expressed confidence in Pacquiao’s ability to compete with any fighter today, citing precedents of former champions returning to the ring as long as they pass medical examinations. As a former champion and legend, Pacquiao has the possibility of fighting for the WBC championship.
The WBC president welcomed the idea of Pacquiao returning to the ring for a world title contest. Negotiations for a potential championship bout with Mario Barrios are ongoing. While Pacquiao expressed interest in fighting Barrios, the fight has not yet materialized. Despite being away from boxing for several years, Pacquiao remains a competitive and formidable fighter. His return to the WBC for a welterweight title fight in 2024 would be sensational.