“He shut everyone up”: WBC boss fires back at critics questioning Manny Pacquiao’s boxing return

The return of Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao continues to stir debate in the boxing world, even after the former eight-division world champion shocked fans by holding reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios to a draw.

When WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman first approved Pacquiao’s immediate title shot, the move was met with heavy criticism. Many questioned why the 46-year-old was granted a direct path to the belt despite being out of the sport for four years and without a professional win since 2019. Detractors also accused Sulaiman of favoritism for bypassing the ranking system in Pacquiao’s favor.

Sulaiman, however, has pushed back against the backlash. In an interview with ProBox TV, he defended the WBC’s decision and insisted that Pacquiao proved his worth in the ring.

“We have a regulation that allows for the provision that an extraordinary boxer, like Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez, or Vitali Klitschko, can submit a petition to the council to return,” Sulaiman explained.

“As long as they pass the medical exams and obtain a boxer’s license from the commission where the fight will take place, we can vote to approve or deny their return. The World Boxing Council voted and approved Pacquiao to fight Barrios, and I’m surprised you are still questioning it, because Pacquiao himself shut you up.”

🗣 Mauricio Sulaimán defends the WBC’s stance on Manny Pacquiao’s return #beINSPORTS #Boxing 💥🥊https://t.co/p3u9w8L3Y2

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) September 1, 2025

According to Sulaiman, Pacquiao’s comeback falls under Rule 3.25 of the WBC regulations, which permits a former champion of legendary status to return directly to world-title contention.

“We are talking about Manny Pacquiao, and Manny Pacquiao came back and proved himself with a great fight,” Sulaiman added. “If Juan Manuel Marquez decided to return, he would receive the same treatment. Each proposal must be evaluated, but Pacquiao demonstrated he still belongs at the highest level.”

Following the draw against Barrios, Pacquiao appears determined to continue fighting. Sean Gibbons, president of MP Promotions, revealed that the boxing icon is eyeing a December return, with former World Boxing Association (WBA) champion Rolly Romero emerging as the frontrunner for his next opponent.

Pacquiao’s comeback may have silenced some critics for now, but the debate over his place in boxing’s current landscape is far from over.

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