Manny Pacquiao Eyes January Return to the Ring, Rolando Romero Targeted as Potential Opponent.

Manny Pacquiao, the legendary Filipino boxer, is reportedly considering a return to the ring in January, with Rolando "Rolly" Romero emerging as the frontrunner for a potential opponent, according to Pacquiao’s long-time advisor, Sean Gibbons. The prospective bout would mark Pacquiao’s second foray into professional boxing since his brief retirement.

Pacquiao, 46, made his return to active competition in July, exceeding expectations in a bid to break his own record as the oldest fighter to win a welterweight title, but fell short of that lofty goal. Paciquaio, a betting underdog, took WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios to a majority draw,

Gibbons told ESPN that a fight with Romero is a top priority. "We would have loved to fight again before the end of the year, but the timing didn’t work out," Gibbons told ESPN on Thursday. "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 confirmed negotiations for a January fight between Pacquiao and Romero have commenced. The fight, if it materializes, would pit Pacquiao, who will be 47 years old in January, against the 30-year-old Romero.

Pacquiao boasts a career record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 3 draws, with 39 victories achieved by knockout. His illustrious career has spanned over two decades, during which he has captured world titles in eight different weight divisions, a feat unmatched in boxing history. Pacquiao’s resume includes victories over some of the sport’s most prominent names, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, and Shane Mosley.

Romero, on the other hand, holds a record of 17 wins and 2 losses, with 13 knockouts. Known for his aggressive style and outspoken personality, Romero has quickly risen through the ranks of the welterweight division.

Romero would benefit greatly from Pacquiao’s star power. "Rolly" redeemed knockout losses to Gervonta "Tank" Davis and Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz, who next fight Jake Paul and Lamont Roach Jr., respectively, by beating Ryan Garcia for the vacant WBA welterweight title.

Pacquiao’s most recent fight against Barrios was a highly anticipated event, marking his return to the ring after a period of inactivity following his retirement in 2021. While Pacquiao displayed flashes of his former brilliance, the fight ultimately ended in a split draw, leaving fans and analysts divided on the outcome.

Barrios, 29, retained his WBC welterweight title, which he won in May 2024 by defeating Fabian Maidana by unanimous decision. Barrios’s record stands at 29-2-1 with 18 knockouts.

Romero’s most recent bout was against Ryan Garcia. Romero suffered losses to Gervonta Davis in May 2022 and Isaac Cruz in March 2024.

The potential matchup between Pacquiao and Romero has already generated considerable buzz within the boxing community. Pacquiao’s legendary status and Romero’s rising profile make for an intriguing clash of generations and styles.

Some observers question whether Pacquiao, at his age, can still compete at the highest level. Others believe that his experience and ring savvy could give him an edge over Romero.

Romero, on the other hand, is viewed by some as a dangerous opponent with the power and aggression to trouble Pacquiao. However, his relative inexperience at the top level could be a disadvantage against a seasoned veteran like Pacquiao.

The negotiations between Pacquiao and Romero’s camps are ongoing, and several factors could influence the final outcome. These include financial considerations, venue arrangements, and the specific terms of the fight contract.

If the fight is finalized, it is expected to take place in January, with potential locations including Las Vegas, Nevada, or a venue in the Middle East. The fight would likely be a pay-per-view event, attracting a large audience of boxing fans worldwide.

Regardless of the outcome, a fight between Pacquiao and Romero would undoubtedly be a significant event in the boxing world. It would provide Pacquiao with an opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially add another chapter to his legendary career. For Romero, it would be a chance to elevate his status and prove himself against one of the sport’s all-time greats.