Recently, WBC (World Boxing Council) Global President Mauricio Sulaimán announced to the media his intention to mediate a bout for former eight-division world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) to vie for the vacant WBC welterweight title.
Originally, this belt belonged to former pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs), who now plans to move up to 154 pounds in pursuit of a fourth world title in that division and has even expressed intentions to challenge Canelo Álvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs) at 168 pounds. As a result, the WBC stripped Crawford of his welterweight championship status, awarding him the “Champion in Recess” title.
Sulaimán commented, “Pacquiao is a true evergreen, and we have precedents for treating former world champions, provided he passes his medical exams. I’m thrilled that Pacquiao is returning to the ring, and I will give him the opportunity to challenge for the WBC world championship. I believe Pacquiao can beat anyone, or at least give them a great fight.”
The 45-year-old Pacquiao last fought in August 2021, losing on points to Yordenis Ugas (27-6, 12 KOs). Since then, he focused on his presidential campaign, which was unsuccessful. Currently, the WBC interim welterweight champion is American Mario Barrios (29-2, 18 KOs), aged 29. Despite previous losses to Davis and Keith Thurman, Barrios secured a dominant 12-round points victory over Ugas last year. A victory over Barrios would be a significant challenge for Pacquiao at his age.