WBC ranks Pacman 3rd despite loss

MANILA, Philippines — The World Boxing Council (WBC) has opened its doors to Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who has yet to announce whether he would fight again or call it a day.

In its November rankings, the WBC has placed the 38-year-old Pacquiao as the No. 3 challenger in the welterweight class (147 pounds), just behind Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia.

American Keith Thurman is the reigning champion.

It came as a surprise that Pacquiao, despite being inactive following his shocking loss to Australian Jeff Horn last July, made it high on the latest WBC list.

But there’s a catch.

The WBC said Pacquiao must enlist in their Clean Boxing Program, which calls for mandatory drug testing procedures.

Pacquiao has had no problems with drug testing except that he’s not too comfortable with needles. But he’s never turn any test down, and has never failed any.

Once Pacquiao puts himself under the WBC program, the eight-division champion who turns 39 in less than a month may find himself challenging Thurman for the welterweight crown.

The WBC is luring Pacquiao over to its camp.

Thurman, undefeated in 29 fights, is a unified champion at 147 pounds, having held the WBA crown since 2015 and the WBC title earlier this year.

The WBC said Thurman can opt to choose Pacquiao for a voluntary defense in 2018.