Manny Pacquiao Eyes January Return to the Ring, Rolando Romero Emerges as Potential Foe

Manny Pacquiao, the celebrated Filipino boxing icon, is reportedly considering a return to the ring in January, with Rolando "Rolly" Romero identified as a leading candidate for his opponent, according to Pacquiao’s long-time advisor, Sean Gibbons.

The potential matchup follows Pacquiao’s recent return to active competition against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, a fight that has seemingly reignited the boxing legend’s competitive spirit. Gibbons indicated that the Pacquiao camp had hoped to schedule a fight before the end of the year, but logistical challenges prevented it.

"We would have loved to fight again before the end of the year, but the timing didn’t work out," Gibbons told ESPN. "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 close to the negotiations have confirmed that preliminary discussions between the Pacquiao and Romero camps have commenced, suggesting a serious intent to finalize the bout.

Pacquiao, who turned 46 in December, returned to professional boxing in July after a four-year hiatus from the sport, following a run for the presidency of the Philippines. His comeback fight against Barrios, while unsuccessful in securing the WBC welterweight title, demonstrated that Pacquiao remains a formidable force in the division. The fight concluded in a majority draw, with many observers noting Pacquiao’s impressive performance against a younger, reigning champion. Pacquiao entered that fight as a betting underdog, defying expectations and showcasing his enduring skill and stamina.

The outcome of the Barrios fight marked the second consecutive draw for Barrios, who previously fought Abel Ramos to a split draw. Barrios subsequently retained his title after the Pacquiao fight.

Rolando Romero, 30, presents an intriguing challenge for Pacquiao. Romero holds a record of 17-2 with 13 knockouts and is the current WBA super lightweight champion. He is known for his aggressive style and knockout power, attributes that would make for a compelling clash against Pacquiao’s speed and experience. Romero has rebounded from previous defeats, including losses to Gervonta "Tank" Davis and Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz, with a notable victory over Ryan Garcia to claim the vacant WBA title.

Romero’s career has been marked by both success and controversy. His fight against Davis in May 2022 was highly anticipated, but Romero suffered a sixth-round TKO. He then faced Cruz, another tough opponent, and lost by unanimous decision. However, Romero demonstrated resilience by bouncing back with a significant win against Garcia, showcasing his ability to overcome adversity.

A fight against Pacquiao would undoubtedly be the biggest of Romero’s career, providing him with a massive platform and a chance to elevate his status in the boxing world. For Pacquiao, a victory over Romero would further cement his legacy and prove that he can still compete at the highest level despite his age.

The age difference between Pacquiao and Romero is a significant factor in this potential matchup. If the fight materializes in January, Pacquiao will be 47, while Romero will be 30. This 17-year age gap highlights the generational divide and adds an element of intrigue to the contest.

Pacquiao’s career spans over two decades, during which he has captured world titles in eight different weight divisions, a feat unmatched in boxing history. His list of opponents reads like a who’s who of boxing legends, including Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Oscar De La Hoya, and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Pacquiao’s last victory came in July 2019 when he defeated Keith Thurman by split decision to win the WBA welterweight title. He then faced Yordenis Ugas in August 2021, losing by unanimous decision. This loss prompted his initial retirement from boxing to focus on his political aspirations.

Romero, in contrast, is a relatively newer face on the boxing scene, having turned professional in 2016. Despite his shorter career, he has quickly risen through the ranks, earning a reputation as a dangerous and unpredictable fighter. His aggressive style and willingness to engage in brawls make him an exciting fighter to watch, but also leave him vulnerable to skilled counter-punchers like Pacquiao.

The negotiations between Pacquiao and Romero’s camps are expected to be complex, involving discussions about weight class, purse split, and location. Pacquiao has fought at various weight classes throughout his career, ranging from flyweight to light middleweight. Romero primarily fights at super lightweight (140 pounds) and welterweight (147 pounds). The agreed-upon weight for the fight will be a crucial factor in determining the dynamics of the contest.

The purse split is another important aspect of the negotiations. Pacquiao, as the bigger name and draw, will likely command a larger share of the revenue. However, Romero’s camp will argue that he deserves fair compensation given his status as a world champion and the potential risk he is taking by facing a legend like Pacquiao.

The location of the fight is also a significant consideration. Pacquiao has a strong following in the Philippines, and a fight in his home country would undoubtedly generate tremendous excitement. However, Las Vegas, a traditional boxing hub, is also a potential venue. The decision will likely depend on financial considerations and the ability to attract a large audience.

The potential Pacquiao-Romero fight has already generated considerable buzz in the boxing community. Fans and analysts are debating the merits of the matchup, with some questioning whether Pacquiao is too old to compete at the highest level, while others believe that his skill and experience will be too much for Romero to handle.

Regardless of the outcome, the fight promises to be a memorable event, pitting a boxing legend against a rising star in a clash of generations.

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