World Boxing Council (WBC) president Mauricio Sulaiman defended the decision to grant Manny Pacquiao an immediate title shot against welterweight champion Mario Barrios last July.
Despite a four-year layoff, the 46-year-old boxing legend impressed in the ring and settled for a draw, with many fans believing he did enough to win.
Sulaiman said WBC rules allow extraordinary fighters like Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Márquez, or Vitali Klitschko to petition for a title fight upon return, provided they pass medical exams and secure a license.
He insisted Pacquiao proved worthy of the opportunity, praising the Filipino icon’s performance as evidence of his elite status.
Following the fight, the WBC elevated Pacquiao to No. 1 in its welterweight rankings, underscoring his continued relevance in the sport.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 3, 2025
