Manny Pacquiao Set to Be Reinstated in World Boxing Rankings: A Legendary Comeback in Motion?

Manila, Philippines – July 2025
After nearly four years away from professional boxing, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, one of the most iconic athletes in the history of the sport, is reportedly on the verge of a major comeback. Sources from multiple sanctioning bodies have confirmed that Pacquiao’s name is being considered for reinstatement into the official world rankings, marking the first step toward a sanctioned return to active competition.

The possibility has reignited excitement across the global boxing community and stirred a powerful sense of anticipation—not just for Filipino fans, but for millions around the world who grew up watching Pacquiao dominate eight weight divisions, a feat unmatched to this day.

Though Pacquiao has yet to make an official announcement, signs suggest that he is seriously exploring one last professional bout—not an exhibition, not a charity match, but a legitimate contest that could alter title pictures across multiple sanctioning bodies.

🥊 A Legend’s Legacy, Still in Motion

Manny Pacquiao retired from professional boxing in 2021 after losing by unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugás. At the time, he pivoted his focus to a presidential bid in the Philippines, eventually losing in the 2022 elections. Since then, the boxing legend has been largely absent from professional fight discussions, although he has participated in a few exhibition bouts in Japan and the Middle East.

These exhibition fights—while lucrative and crowd-pleasing—did little to impact his official status. However, insiders say that Pacquiao’s renewed training discipline and his improved physical condition have recently attracted attention from promoters and governing bodies alike.

“He’s in incredible shape. He’s sparring harder than most 25-year-olds,” said a member of his long-time coaching team. “This isn’t about nostalgia. He wants to compete.”

📋 The Process: How Pacquiao Could Re-Enter the Rankings

For a boxer to be ranked again after a lengthy layoff, the rules vary slightly by organization. The four major sanctioning bodies—WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO—typically require an active status, demonstrated by an official bout or an approved return.

Key Steps Likely Underway:

Medical and Fitness Clearance: Even legends are required to pass comprehensive evaluations.
Application for Active Status: Pacquiao’s management may have already filed for formal reinstatement.
Approval by Sanctioning Committees: Rankings committees meet quarterly to review cases like these.
Announcement of Fight or Agreement in Principle: A signed bout would virtually guarantee his return to the rankings.

Most notably, Pacquiao’s name is being floated for the WBC and WBA welterweight rankings, the same division where he last fought and where current champions like Jaron Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis reside.

💡 Why Now? The Timing of Pacquiao’s Return

There are several likely reasons why Pacquiao may be choosing this moment to re-enter the competitive scene:

1. The Current Landscape is Wide Open

The welterweight division is in transition. Big names like Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford are either aging out or moving up in weight. Newer fighters are talented but still establishing their market power.

Pacquiao, even at 46, remains a proven pay-per-view draw and a recognizable name—potentially filling a gap in a division seeking global traction.

2. Unfinished Business

Pacquiao’s loss to Ugás in 2021 still stings. The fight was arranged last-minute after Spence pulled out due to injury. Pacquiao has privately admitted that he never felt “settled” with that being his final pro performance.

3. Legacy and Pride

Despite winning world titles in eight divisions, Pacquiao remains hungry to “end on his terms.” A comeback victory—even against a top-10 fighter—would further elevate his GOAT status.

🧠 Is It Too Late? Expert Reactions

Boxing analysts have responded with cautious optimism to the news. Many acknowledge Pacquiao’s rare athletic gifts but question whether returning at nearly 47 years old is realistic—or wise.

“We’ve never seen anyone at this age attempt a real title run at welterweight,” said U.S. analyst Kevin McIntyre. “But this is Manny Pacquiao. He breaks the rules of aging.”

Filipino boxing analyst Nissi Icasiano added:

“Pacquiao may not need a title. One big fight is enough. It’s about going out with dignity—and on his own terms.”

Others worry that sanctioning bodies might prioritize ratings and profit over safety, given the commercial pull Pacquiao still commands.

🔍 Who Could He Fight?

The boxing world is buzzing with speculation about who Pacquiao could face in his return bout. Possible names include:

1. Conor Benn (UK) – An up-and-coming welterweight with power and market appeal. A good test for both men.

2. Mario Barrios (USA) – WBC interim welterweight champ. Pacquiao could challenge for a title without jumping directly into a unification bout.

3. Jaron “Boots” Ennis – A riskier choice, as Ennis is considered one of the most dangerous rising stars.

4. Yordenis Ugás (Rematch) – A storyline-rich option that could help Pacquiao rewrite the ending to his pro career.

There’s also the possibility of a high-profile farewell match in Manila or Las Vegas—perhaps against a former rival or fellow legend—offering fan satisfaction even without a title on the line.

🗳️ What Fans Think

Across social media, Filipino and global fans alike have reacted with a mix of excitement and concern. Here’s a snapshot of common sentiment:

“One more run, and I’ll support him all the way.”
“I hope he’s doing it for himself, not just for money.”
“He’s a warrior, but I also want him to protect his legacy.”
“Give us one more mega-fight, and then let him walk away with his head high.”

Hashtags like #PacquiaoComeback, #OneLastFight, and #GOATReturns began trending within hours of the reports.

📺 What About His Other Roles?

Since leaving boxing, Pacquiao has stayed busy:

Humanitarian Work: His foundation continues to support education and housing programs in the Philippines.
Politics: Though defeated in the 2022 presidential race, he remains active in advocacy and is rumored to be considering a Senate return.
Entertainment: Pacquiao has also launched a biographical film and regularly appears in commercials and social media content.

Despite these endeavors, boxing remains his strongest connection to the global stage. And with his name once again in the rankings, his influence inside the ring may yet outshine everything else.

📅 What’s Next?

If the process continues on schedule, the next steps could be:

Formal reinstatement by WBC or WBA (as early as next month)
Press conference announcing his return
Fight contract signed for Q4 2025 or early 2026

Whether this return leads to a title or simply a final send-off remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: boxing’s greatest icon isn’t finished yet.

📚 Related Articles for Further Reading

“From Sarangani to Stardom: The Enduring Global Legacy of Manny Pacquiao”
“The Science of Aging in Boxing: Can Legends Defy the Clock?”
“WBC and WBA Rules for Reinstating Retired Fighters”
“Manny Pacquiao vs. Yordenis Ugás: Breaking Down the 2021 Upset”
“The Business of Boxing Comebacks: What Draws Legends Back?”