For the first time since Floyd Mayweather returned from a lengthy absence in 2011, Pacquiao is the king of boxing with WBN following two standout victories in 2016.
Completely taking apart two multi-weight champions in Timothy Bradley and then Vargas means Pacquiao earns the top spot for at least two weeks.
A win for either Andre Ward or Sergey Kovalev on November 19 when the pair clash for the light-heavyweight crown would then almost certainly mean Pacquiao would be dislodged at the top.
Everything is dependent on the manner of victory at the T-Mobile Arena later this month but it’s highly likely Pacquiao would then have to settle for the number two spot.
Pacquiao, 37, is enjoying his best form since the height of his powers in 2010, something which could earn the ‘Pacman’ a second fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
This unforeseen upturn for the veteran has turned the P4P list on its head as it was assumed Ward or Kovalev would see out the year with the honour.
Roman Gonzalez has now lost his place at the head of the table following what was an unconvincing win over Carlos Cuadras and ‘Chocolatito’ faces a battle to claw his way back in 2017.
