The Ring’s Welterweight Rankings Questioned: Why Pacquiao’s Inclusion and Ennis’s Retention Defy Logic

Manny Pacquiao has entered at the #9 spot in The Ring’s updated welterweight rankings today. The list is missing two notable names, Devin Haney and Karen Chukhadzhian, both of whom are fighting at a much higher level than the 46-year-old Pacquiao.

Other missing names from The Ring’s updated rankings: Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero and Jack Catterall. Those fighters deserve to be on the list.

Ennis Welterweight Confusion

The Ring’s updated rankings still have Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis as their champion despite him moving up to 154 and already being ranked in the division. It doesn’t make sense because if there was time to include Pacquiao to the list, they could have removed Ennis.

Champion: Jaron Ennis

1. Brian Norman Jr.
2. Eimantas Stanionis
3. Giovanni Santillan
4. Roman Polanco
5. Shakhram Giyasov
6. Alexis Rocha
7. Raul Curiel
8. Mario Barrios
9. Manny Pacquiao
10. Ekow Essusman

Pacquiao did NOT look good enough in his 12-round draw against WBC 147-lb champion Mario Barrios to be included in The Ring’s top 10 list. He looked old, past it, and only capable of fighting hard in the first nine rounds against the weakest link among the champions at welterweight. Manny’s inability to dominate Barrios was reason enough not to include him.

Barrios: Why Is He Ranked?

Barrios shouldn’t be on the Ring’s top 10 list, because he’s looked poor in his last two fights, battling to a draw against journeyman Abel Ramos, and failing to beat past his prime Pacquiao.

Other names that don’t belong on The Ring’s top 10 list: Giovanni Santillan and Alexis Rocha. Those two fighters are not worthy of being even in the top 15.

The True Welterweight Top

1. Brian Norman Jr.
2. Shakhram Giyasov
3. Karen Chukhadzhian
4. Devin Haney
5. Raul Curiel
6. Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero
7. Jack Catterall
8. Eimantas Stanionis
9. Roman Polanco
10. Ekow Essusman

Roman Polanco is fighting well enough to deserve the #9 spot that The Ring has used for Pacquiao. Polanco would have too much youth for Manny and likely trounce him if they fought.