Manny Pacquiao is targeting a January 2026 ring return against WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero.
The specifics of the potential bout are still being determined, with both camps already in the final stages of discussion. ‘Still negotiating, but we’re just finalizing it,’ said Pacquiao recently during a press conference for the Thrilla in Manila 50th anniversary slated later this month.
Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39KOs) is still going strong despite turning 47 years old this December.
He nearly beat a much younger champion in his athletic prime in Mario Barrios despite coming off a four-year retirement.
Barrios, also six and a half inches taller, barely kept his WBC belt after settling for majority draw in a fight many believed was won by Pacquiao. The outcome denied Pacquiao’s shot at history, failing to become the second-oldest boxing world champion.
Romero (17-2, 13KOs) will be 17 years younger than Pacquiao if the fight goes as planned.
He won the vacant WBA (Regular) title after beating Ryan Garcia by unanimous decision last May at Times Square in New York City and was elevated to full champion three months later after Jaron Ennis relinquished the WBA (Super) crown.
The WBA (Super) strap was the same world title Pacquiao held after he beat Keith Thurman back in July 2019. He then lost it following a stunning upset to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021.