Ahead of that fight with the American, Pacquiao has re-entered the WBC rankings at No 5, with third-ranked Conor Benn and No 1 Devin Haney the best-known names above him.

Boxing insiders are becoming increasingly concerned at reports suggesting Manny Pacquiao is preparing to return to the sport aged 46 against the current WBC welterweight world champion Mario Barrios,

Barrios retained his title in November after battling Abel Ramos to a draw in a bloody war on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson card. Barrios' other most notable fight came in June 2021 when he suffered a TKO loss to Gervonta "Tank" Davis in a very competitive bout.