Manny Pacquiao's return to boxing has shaken up the welterweight division. The 46-year-old legend stepped back into the ring after a four-year break, challenging for the WBC title and proving he's still a force to be reckoned with.
Pacquiao's gritty performance in his comeback fight reignited fan passion and caught the eye of potential challengers. The Ring magazine placed him at number 9 in their welterweight rankings, despite his long absence from the sport. This move raised eyebrows, with current champion Mario Barrios sitting just one spot ahead at number 8.
Australian boxer Liam Paro has set his sights on the Filipino icon. The 29-year-old recently announced he's moving up to welterweight, leaving behind his quest to regain the IBF super lightweight title. Paro explained his decision to Main Event:
"I've been doing this for 10 years. It's time for a change."
Paro's move isn't just about the physical toll of cutting weight. He's chasing the dream of becoming a two-division world champion and facing his idol, Manny Pacquiao.
"My favorite boxer, Manny Pacquiao, is back—and I want that fight,"Paro declared.
The Australian plans to fast-track his path to gold, hoping to catch Pacquiao's attention before the legend hangs up his gloves for good.
The welterweight landscape continues to shift. Jaron Ennis, ranked number 1 by The Ring, is moving up in weight. Meanwhile, WBA champion Rolando "Rolly" Romero is making waves but finds himself absent from The Ring's rankings.
Pacquiao's return has sent ripples through the division. His name still carries weight in the boxing world, even as he approaches 50. The possibility of a Pacquiao-Paro showdown in Australia has promoters salivating, with talks of an "unforgettable war on Australian soil."
As the welterweight class buzzes with activity, all eyes remain on Pacquiao. The Filipino legend didn't reclaim a championship belt in his return, but he proved he's far from finished. Now, a new generation of fighters is lining up for their shot at the icon, eager to make their mark against one of boxing's all-time greats.
