Written by D. Walsh 13th May 2025.

Punching Against Time:

In a twist that’s stunned much of the boxing world, Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao has been granted a shot at the WBC welterweight title — despite being 46 years old and without a win since 2019. The eight-division world champion, who last tasted victory against Keith Thurman nearly six years ago, now finds himself ranked No.5 by the World Boxing Council.
The decision, confirmed this week by the WBC, has raised eyebrows and rekindled debates about legacy, meritocracy, and the sport's increasingly blurred line between spectacle and competition.

Pacquiao, widely regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of all time, officially retired in 2021 after a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugás. Since then, he has flirted with exhibition bouts and political ambitions — even launching a failed presidential bid in the Philippines. But the itch to lace up the gloves for one more serious run clearly never left him.

His return comes at a time when boxing continues to court spectacle and nostalgia in equal measure. While his ranking leap appears to hinge more on name recognition than recent form, the WBC has defended its decision, citing Pacquiao's "exceptional pedigree" and "unique global appeal".

Still, the facts remain stark: the last time Pacquiao had his hand raised in a professional bout, Britain was still in the EU, COVID-19 was unheard of, and Tyson Fury had yet to reclaim his heavyweight throne. At an age when most fighters are long retired — or well into their commentary careers — Pacquiao is daring to challenge younger, sharper, hungrier opposition.

Reactions from the boxing community have been mixed. Critics argue the move undermines the sport’s merit-based ranking system, while supporters hail it as a final chapter for a man who has continually defied the odds.

British fight fans will recall Pacquiao’s legendary 2009 demolition of Ricky Hatton — a fight that cemented his place among the all-time greats. But whether he can recapture even a shadow of that form is uncertain.

No date has been set for the title clash, but early indications suggest it will take place later this year. Pacquiao's potential opponents could include some of the division’s most dangerous names — a daunting prospect for a fighter deep into his fifth decade.

Still, if history has taught us anything, it’s that writing off Manny Pacquiao is a fool’s errand. Whether this is a swansong or a serious shot at one last belt, one thing is certain: the eyes of the boxing world will be watching.

And perhaps that, more than anything, is the point.