Sixteen Filipino punchers — bannered by two of Philippine boxing’s finest ever — made the grade in the latest rankings released by the World Boxing Council (WBC) from its Mexico City headquarters.
Eight-division legend Manny Pacquiao continues to be rated in the welterweight class even after six months removed from his near-win over champion Mario Barrios in Las Vegas.
He is ranked No. 3 in the 147-pound class.
Nonito Donaire, regarded as the Philippines’ most accomplished fighter after Pacquiao, is ranked No. 10 in the bantamweight division on the strength of his controversial loss to Seiya Tsutsumi for the World Boxing Association title late last year in Tokyo.
Other Filipinos who crashed the top 15 in their respective weight categories are ex-world champion Mark Magsayo at No. 3 in the super-featherweight ranks. Joining him is Charly Suarez, listed at No. 11.
Former unified champion Marlon Tapales is No. 2 in the super-bantam bracket while Orient-Pacific Boxing Federation titlist Kenneth Llover is No. 7 at bantam, three rungs higher than Donaire.
At flyweight, there are two entries: Jessie Espinas at No. 11 and AJ Paciones at No. 13.
Meanwhile, four fighters were listed each at light-fly and minimumweight classes.
Regie Suganob is No. 6, Arvin Magramo is No. 7, Christian Araneta is No. 10 and Jayson Vayson is No. 14 in the 108-pound division.
In the lowest weight class of 105 pounds, Joey Canoy is the top-ranked contender while Joseph Sumabong is No. 6, Vic Saludar at No. 7 and Ian Abne at No. 13.