Liam Paro Calls Out Manny Pacquiao As Latest Ranking Sparks Debate
Manny Pacquiao, the eight-division world champion, stunned the boxing world by stepping back into the welterweight spotlight after a four-year hiatus. At 46 years old, 'PacMan" delivered a gritty performance in a WBC title challenge that, while falling short of gold, reminded everyone why he remains a global force. Pacquiao's comeback didn't just reignite fan fervor—it also inspired a new crowd of challengers eager to test themselves against a living legend.
Among the first to sound the trumpet was Australian contender Liam Paro. Fresh off regaining his footing in the super-lightweight ranks, the 29-year-old announced he was ditching the 140-pound class. 'I've been doing this for 10 years. It's time for a change," Paro admitted to Main Event. The grind of weight cuts had grown unbearable—and the prospect of two-division glory proved too tempting to resist.
Yet Paro's decision isn't purely strategic. It's personal. 'My favorite boxer, Manny Pacquiao, is back—and I want that fight," he declared. Paro envisions capturing a welterweight belt and rolling out the red carpet in Australia for an epic showdown with his idol. With Pacquiao slotting into the world's top 10 welterweights, Paro knows the clock is ticking: to earn Pacquiao's attention, every step must accelerate toward the title.
The Ring magazine slid him in at No. 9 despite just one fight in four years. 'Manny Pacquiao, 46, enters at #9 following his return in July to challenge for the WBC title," the publication posted on Instagram.
Critics pointed out that Mario Barrios, the reigning champion, sits at No. 8, while rising stars like Brian Norman Jr. and Eimantas Stanionis occupy the spots above. Rolly Romero's conspicuous absence as WBA titlist only added fuel: is Pacquiao's ranking a nod to his storied legacy, or a fair reflection of current form?
For boxing aficionados, the debate is half the fun. Does a one-off return justify a top-10 spot? Can Pacquiao—now in his late 40s—still stand toe-to-toe with the division's hungry contenders? The questions only amplify the excitement. After all, the name Manny Pacquiao still moves mountains, and the prospect of Liam Paro's challenge hints at an unforgettable encounter down under. One thing's for sure: the welterweight division is feeling more electric.
view comments
First Published:
August 02, 2025, 10:07 IST
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
23 minutes ago
- News18
Joe Root Calls Out Mohammed Siraj's 'Fake' Angriness: 'I Can See Straight...'
Last Updated: Joe Root can see 'straight through' Mohammed Siraj 'fake angriness' but knows he's a bowler everyone would like on their team. Joe Root sees 'straight through' Mohammed Siraj. The England batting superstar on Sunday called Siraj a 'character, warrior' who players would love to have on their side, but also cheekily pointed to how the pacer has a 'fake angriness' to him, where he tries too hard to pump himself up artificially. Root's comments came after Siraj's excellent spell on the fourth day of the Oval Test. In an England innings where Root scored a magnificent 105, Siraj picked up two wickets and bowled the most overs — 26. Despite India's dire situation in the defense of 374 — England were 301/3 at one stage — and obvious fatigue having bowled in all five Tests, Siraj didn't let his energy down. England were reduced to 339/6 at early Stumps. 'He's a character, a warrior, he's a real warrior," Root said in the press conference after the day's play. 'He's someone that you want on your team; he's that kind of character. He gives everything for India, and credit to him for that, the way he approaches cricket. He's got this, like, fake angriness about him sometimes, which I can see straight through. He's actually a really nice lad, but he tries it incredibly hard. He's a very skillful player; there's a reason why he's got all those wickets." Root went on to call the Indian quick a 'great example' for youngsters. 'It's because of his work ethic and skill level. I enjoy playing against him. He's always got a big smile on his face, and he'll give everything for his team. So I guess you couldn't want anything more of that as fan watching, and he's a great example to any young players starting out." England need 35 runs on the final day with four wickets in hand and Root is confident. 'I was really frustrated because I missed out, it was really disappointing to not still be there tonight and get us over the line. But we are still in a really good position, a lot of batting left and the two guys out there are very capable of seeing us home. It has been one hell of a series, one hell of a journey and we have the confidence in our dressing room," he said. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Not Workload! Serious Reason For Jasprit Bumrah's Early Leave From ENG Revealed
Last Updated: Jasprit Bumrah wasn't sent home early from England due to workload issues and the pacer is suspected to have suffered a knee injury, a new report has claimed. Jasprit Bumrah was always expected to play only three of the five Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England. The pacer himself, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill all said before the series began that it was to manage his workload and avoid a serious injury like the one he suffered in Australia. So, when he missed out on the team's 11 for the fifth Test at the Oval, it wasn't a surprise. However, the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in India's media brief dated August 31 that Bumrah had been released from the squad, in the middle of the fifth Test, raised eyebrows. If he was just being rested, why release him and not use his experience from the dug-out? Now, a new report has shed some light on the issue. The Times of India claimed that Bumrah has suffered a knee injury. 'Unfortunately, Bumrah is suffering from a knee injury. The good thing is that it's not a major one and won't require surgery. The BCCI medical team is currently awaiting his scan reports," the report cited an anonymous BCCI official as saying. The report added that the 31-year-old pacer will now begin his rehab at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. India has done well in Bumrah's absence in the Oval Test. Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna have bowled with menace and overcome their own excessive workloads and tiredness to pick up all 15 of 16 wickets that fell in the first four days. India were struggling and on the verge of collapsing to a big defeat in the second session on the fourth day. But Siraj and Prasidh picked themselves up in the final hour to bring the team back and reduce England to 339/6 in the chase of 374. The hosts need 35 runs to win and have four wickets in hand with just the final day to go. Meanwhile, if Bumrah has indeed suffered a knee issue, it would be a body blow to India. They don't play any Tests for some time now but the preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup begins next month with the Asia Cup. Further, the BCCI would be sweating about the longetivity of their ace pacer's career if it is a second serious injury in eight months. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Mint
6 hours ago
- Mint
F1 standings After Hungarian Grand Prix 2025: McLaren's Oscar Piastri maintains lead in top 10
The 2025 Formula 1 season has reached a thrilling midpoint following the Hungarian Grand Prix, with intense battles in both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships. While Oscar Piastri has extended his lead, McLaren's dominance continues to shape the season. On the other hand, Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull are fighting for supremacy. McLaren's Oscar Piastri is holding a slim lead over teammate Lando Norris. The Australian driver, with 284 points, maintained his position at the top after finishing second in Hungary, adding to his six wins and 11 podiums this season. Norris clinched a dramatic victory at the Hungaroring and reached 275 points, narrowing the gap to just nine points. Max Verstappen of Red Bull sits third with 187 points, struggling to keep pace with the McLaren duo. Despite two wins and five podiums, Verstappen's third-place deficit widened after finishing fifth in Hungary. George Russell (Mercedes) holds fourth with 172 points, impacted by a third-place finish in Budapest. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, despite a pole position, slipped to fifth with 151 points after a disappointing fourth-place result due to a five-second penalty. 1. Oscar Piastri – 284 points, 6 wins, 11 podiums 2. Lando Norris – 275 points, 4 wins, 11 podiums 3. Max Verstappen – 187 points, 2 wins, 5 podiums 4. George Russell – 172 points, 1 win, 5 podiums 5. Charles Leclerc – 151 points, 0 wins, 5 podiums 6. Lewis Hamilton – 109 points, 0 wins, 0 podiums 7. Kimi Antonelli – 64 points, 0 wins, 1 podium 8. Alex Albon – 54 points, 0 wins, 0 podiums 9. Nico Hulkenberg – 37 points, 0 wins, 1 podium 10. Esteban Ocon – 27 points, 0 wins, 0 podiums In the Constructors' Championship, McLaren continues to run away with the lead, amassing 559 points after an impactful 1-2 finish in Hungary. Their 299-point advantage over second-placed Ferrari (260 points) highlights their consistency and strategic dominance. Ferrari, despite high hopes with Leclerc's pole, faltered in Budapest, losing ground to Mercedes, who now sit third with 236 points. The Silver Arrows are closing in, due to Russell's podium and Antonelli's contributions. 6. Aston Martin – 52 points 7. Kick Sauber – 51 points 8. Racing Bulls – 45 points
