In the latest ratings released by the prestigious publication, Pacquiao grabbed the 130-lb title away from Barrera by virtue of the Filipino’s astounding 10th round TKO victory over another Mexican legend Erik Morales last Jan. 22 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Two weeks ago, the Gen San fighter was ranked a far third behind Barrera and Morales. Now, it’s Pacquiao who is ranked No. 1 with Barrera and Morales slipping to Nos. 2 and 3, respectively.

Meanwhile, a  total of four Mexican fighters are currently rated within the top 10 of the reputable pound-for-pound ratings of the same magazine, but Pacquiao is again bringing that supposed feat into disrepute.

Regarded as "The Bible of Boxing," The Ring has installed the 27-year-old Pacquiao as the 3rd best pound-for-pound fighter which was previously occupied, ironically, by Barrera.

Pacquiao stopped Barrera in the 11th round in their Featherweight encounter last November 2003 in San Antonio, Texas.

With his masterful annihilation Morales last weekend, Pacquiao has closed in on becoming the next pound-for-pound King as he now trails No. 2 Winky Wright and current ruler Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

Just last week, Pacquiao was ranked 5th with Barrera at No. 3 and British hitman Ricky Hatton, the defending junior welterweight king, at No. 4 in the same P-for-P ladder.

The current P-for-P ratings pushed Barrera back at No. 4 and Hatton and No. 5 while Morales, who was rated No. 6 last week, dropped out of the Top Ten.

Jose Luis Castillo (8th) and siblings Juan Manuel (6th) and Rafael Marquez (7th) are the three other Mexican fighters who made the grade.

WBC flyweight titleholder Pongsaklek Wonjongkam of Thailand is the newest entrant at No. 10.

A few days ago Barrera chose to move up in weight and challenge compatriot and defending champion Jesus Chavez for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) lightweight crown slated on March 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.