Manny Pacquiao Eyes January Bout Against Rolando Romero in Potential Ring Return.

Manny Pacquiao, the celebrated Filipino boxing icon, is reportedly considering a return to the ring in January, with Rolando "Rolly" Romero emerging as a potential opponent. According to Pacquiao’s long-time advisor, Sean Gibbons, negotiations are underway for a possible clash between the two fighters.

Pacquiao, who turned 46 in December, last competed in July against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, a fight that ended in a controversial majority draw. The bout marked Pacquiao’s return to active competition after a four-year hiatus, during which he briefly pursued a political career in the Philippines.

Gibbons told ESPN that Pacquiao is eager to get back in the ring, stating, "We would have loved to fight again before the end of the year, but the timing didn’t work out. 2026 will be a new year with new beginnings and hopefully a new opponent. I think the perfect time for Manny to make a statement to come back is January, and I think the perfect opponent is Rolly Romero."

Sources familiar with the negotiations have confirmed that discussions between the Pacquiao and Romero camps have commenced, aiming for a January showdown. The potential fight pits Pacquiao, a veteran of 73 professional fights, against the younger and less experienced Romero, who holds a record of 17-2 with 13 knockouts.

Pacquiao’s illustrious career spans over two decades, during which he has captured world titles in eight different weight divisions, a feat unmatched in boxing history. His resume includes victories over legendary fighters such as Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton, and Shane Mosley. However, Pacquiao has also suffered defeats, including losses to Floyd Mayweather Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, and Jeff Horn.

In his most recent fight against Barrios, Pacquiao aimed to break his own record as the oldest fighter to win a welterweight title. Despite exceeding expectations and putting on a spirited performance, the fight was declared a majority draw, with many observers believing that Pacquiao deserved the victory.

Barrios managed to retain his title for the second time, previously scraping by with his title after previously fighting Abel Ramos to a split draw.

Romero, on the other hand, is a relatively young fighter looking to make a name for himself in the welterweight division. He turned professional in 2016 and quickly gained attention for his aggressive style and knockout power. However, Romero has also faced setbacks, including knockout losses to Gervonta "Tank" Davis and Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz.

Despite these losses, Romero rebounded in his most recent fight, defeating Ryan Garcia to win the vacant WBA welterweight title. The victory over Garcia was considered an upset by many, as Garcia was the favorite heading into the fight. However, Romero showcased his power and resilience, ultimately outpointing Garcia to claim the title.

A fight against Pacquiao would represent a significant opportunity for Romero to elevate his profile and solidify his position in the welterweight division. Pacquiao’s star power and global appeal would undoubtedly draw a large audience, providing Romero with a platform to showcase his skills and potentially earn a career-defining victory.

If the fight takes place in January, Pacquiao would be 47 years old, while Romero would be 30. The age difference could be a factor in the fight, as Pacquiao’s reflexes and stamina may have diminished over time. However, Pacquiao’s experience and ring intelligence could help him overcome the age disadvantage.

Romero, on the other hand, possesses youth, speed, and power, which could pose a challenge to Pacquiao. However, Romero’s lack of experience against top-level opposition could be a disadvantage against a seasoned veteran like Pacquiao.

The potential fight between Pacquiao and Romero has generated considerable excitement in the boxing world, with fans and analysts eagerly anticipating a possible clash between the two fighters. Pacquiao’s return to the ring would undoubtedly be a major event, and a fight against Romero would provide an intriguing matchup between a legendary champion and a rising contender.

The negotiations between the Pacquiao and Romero camps are ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether the fight will ultimately materialize. However, if the fight is agreed upon, it would be a highly anticipated event that could have significant implications for both fighters’ careers.

Pacquiao’s legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time is already secure, but a victory over Romero would further cement his status and demonstrate that he can still compete at the highest level despite his age. For Romero, a victory over Pacquiao would be a career-defining achievement that would propel him into the upper echelon of the welterweight division.

As the negotiations continue, boxing fans around the world will be closely following the developments, hoping to witness a thrilling showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Rolando Romero in January.