For over a year, talk of Manny Pacquiao returning to the ring seemed more like a punchline than a possibility. The boxing legend was already 45 when whispers of a comeback began, and it took until 2025 for those rumors to materialize.
After four years away, Pacquiao jumped straight back into world title contention. Few expected him to trouble Mario Barrios, but the 46-year-old defied the odds, battling to a majority draw in July and reminding fans of his enduring quality.
Encouraged by that performance, Pacquiao hinted he isn’t done yet — and another world title fight could be on the horizon.
During a press conference in the Philippines, Pacquiao confirmed that a fight against Rolly Romero is very well on its way to becoming a reality. He was asked about the reports about a potential fight and he responded by saying that “we are negotiating and finalizing“.
Romero is coming off of a stunning victory over Ryan Garcia in May, and currently holds the WBA welterweight championship belt after Jaron “Boots” Ennis vacated it in August. Romero has been outspoken about his willingness to fight Pacquiao, saying it would help his resume tremendously to defeat a Hall of Famers like PacMan.
It’s looking likely that a main event between Pacquiao and Romero will happen. Pacquiao would surely love for it to be facilitated quickly, as he turns 47 years old in December.
