Manny Pacquiao Eyes January Return Against Rolando Romero, Advisor Confirms

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is reportedly considering a return to the ring in January, with Rolando "Rolly" Romero emerging as the primary target for the potential comeback fight, according to Pacquiao’s long-time advisor, Sean Gibbons. The news signals Pacquiao’s eagerness to compete again following his recent exhibition bout against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

Gibbons disclosed to ESPN that a clash with Romero is currently a top priority for the Pacquiao camp. "We would have loved to fight again before the end of the year, but the timing didn’t work out," Gibbons stated. "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 preliminary discussions for a January showdown between Pacquiao and Romero are underway.

Pacquiao, who turned 46 in December, returned to active competition in July after a four-year hiatus. In his comeback fight, Pacquiao faced Mario Barrios, aiming to surpass his own record as the oldest fighter to win a welterweight title. The bout concluded in a majority draw, with Barrios retaining his title. The fight highlighted Pacquiao’s enduring competitiveness despite his age and time away from the sport.

Romero, 28, holds a record of 17 wins and 2 losses, with 13 victories achieved by knockout. His most recent win came against Ryan Garcia, securing the vacant WBA super lightweight title. Prior to that, Romero suffered defeats against Gervonta "Tank" Davis and Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz.

A potential fight between Pacquiao and Romero would pit the veteran’s experience against the younger fighter’s power and ambition. At 46, Pacquiao’s career spans over two decades, marked by numerous world titles across multiple weight divisions. His record stands at 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, with 39 knockouts. Pacquiao’s illustrious career includes victories over notable opponents such as Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, and Shane Mosley.

Romero, on the other hand, is looking to solidify his position as a top contender in the super lightweight division. The fight against Pacquiao would provide him with a significant platform to elevate his profile and establish himself as a major force in the sport.

The age difference between the two fighters is a notable factor. By the time the fight potentially takes place in January, Pacquiao will be 47, while Romero will be 28. This age gap raises questions about Pacquiao’s ability to compete at the highest level against a younger, more agile opponent. However, Pacquiao’s camp remains confident in his physical condition and ring IQ.

Pacquiao’s return to boxing follows a brief stint in politics. He served as a senator in the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. His political career took a pause as he focused on his boxing comeback. The decision to return to the ring underscores his passion for the sport and his desire to continue competing at the highest level.

The potential fight against Romero also carries significant financial implications. Pacquiao remains a major draw in the boxing world, and a fight against a rising star like Romero is expected to generate substantial revenue through ticket sales, pay-per-view buys, and sponsorships.

The negotiations between the Pacquiao and Romero camps are expected to continue in the coming weeks. Key factors that will influence the final agreement include the purse split, the venue, and the broadcast arrangements. Both fighters have expressed interest in making the fight happen, but several details need to be ironed out before an official announcement can be made.

The boxing community has reacted with excitement to the possibility of a Pacquiao-Romero fight. Many observers believe that the fight would be a compelling clash of styles, with Pacquiao’s speed and experience pitted against Romero’s power and aggression. The fight also presents an opportunity for Pacquiao to prove that he can still compete at the highest level despite his age, while Romero has the chance to secure a career-defining victory against one of the sport’s all-time greats.

The potential bout also comes with some risk for both fighters. For Pacquiao, a defeat against Romero could tarnish his legacy and raise questions about his decision to continue fighting at an advanced age. For Romero, a loss against Pacquiao would be a setback in his quest to establish himself as a top contender.

The outcome of the negotiations between the Pacquiao and Romero camps will be closely watched by the boxing world. If the fight does materialize, it is expected to be one of the biggest boxing events of the year, drawing significant attention from fans and media alike.

As the negotiations progress, more details are expected to emerge regarding the potential fight, including the date, venue, and broadcast information. The boxing community eagerly awaits further developments as Pacquiao aims to make a statement in his potential return to the ring.