Manny Pacquiao vs. Rolly Romero - Negotiations

[Ruthless-RKO]

Pacquiao in final stages of negotiations to fight Rolly Romero

Former eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao revealed that his team is in the final stages of negotiations for a fight with WBA world welterweight champion Rolly Romero.

The 46-year-old Pacquiao shared the news during the Thrill in Manila 50 Anniversary press conference earlier today in Quezon City.

“We are negotiating and finalizing,” Pacquiao quipped when asked about reports that he is set to face Romero next.

A Filipino boxing icon, Pacquiao ended his four-year retirement last July when he fought WBC world welterweight champion Mario Barrios, a bout experts thought he won, but ended in a draw.

Shortly after the bout, Pacquiao confidently expressed that he still has what it takes to compete and would like to get back in the ring again for another contest.

According to a source, the prospective showdown between Pacquiao and Romero is targeted to take place in December, the same month when Pacquiao turns 47.

Pacquiao will break his own record of being the oldest welterweight world champion in history (40 years old) should he triumph over Romero.

[gilgamesh]

Besides Barrios this is the only other winnable fight out there for him I think. So I'm glad it's Rolly they've settled on. Rolly can punch harder than Barrios though, so the likelihood of Pacquiao getting KO'd in his final bout goes up.

[Ruthless-RKO]

MANNY PACQUIAO LAUNCHES PROMOTIONAL COMPANY IN U.S.

Manny Pacquiao’s return to boxing is going beyond him stepping inside the squared circle.

The Class of 2025 International Boxing Hall of Famer and eight-division champion has launched his own promotional company, Manny Pacquiao Promotions, in the U.S., he announced in a news release.

“It is an honor to bring Manny Pacquiao Promotions to the U.S.,” Pacquiao said in the release. “Some of my most unforgettable moments happened inside American rings. Now, I want to help create those same moments for today’s fighters.

"Through talent-stacked events and an elite platform, we’ll showcase the rising stars and seasoned warriors ready to capture the world’s attention.”

Pacquiao’s longtime advisor Sean Gibbons will serve as the President of MPP, which launched in August.

“MPP is committed to becoming the world’s leading boxing promotional company,” Gibbons said. “We’re creating a new standard in fight promotion — and it all starts now.”

Tony Cohen will be the company’s Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, while Brendan Gibbons has been tabbed as the lead matchmaker. Among Cohen’s tasks is developing an independent pay-per-view platform, per the press release.

The press release added that MPP has two title bouts and another significant fight scheduled for November, while other fight cards will also be announced in the coming weeks.

Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) returned to the ring after a four-year layoff on July 19 and, at 46, nearly became the second-oldest champion in boxing history, as he fought to a majority draw against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs).

He has said that he plans to fight again, although no specific date or opponent has been announced.

[robbydecker]

This will be an interesting bout. They're pre bout press conference meetings won't have any drama based entertainment though(For those who enjoy that type of stuff).
They're both very nice fellows outside of the ring, so yeah, No real pre bout hype.
I'm very okay with that, but unfortunately it's typically a prerequisite(For maximizing views and revenue) in today's era of trash talker specialist boxers.

Nevertheless, irregardless of a lack of those particular outside intangibles being factored in, this stands solidly to be a very interesting bout, especially for The Real Fans of Boxing.
I like Pacqiou in this one. As long as he plays the ideal strategy to a tee, he Should win rather decisively.
Romero Does have that one punch Ko Power though, so Pac Needs to refrain from being even just a tad bit overly aggressive.
He definitely still has just enough skill and speed and hopefully enough reflexes maintained/intact to not get caught by a cleanly placed Ko punch.
Also, I think that Pac still has enough Punching Power to keep Rolly at bay, even if just at a barely sufficient enough level.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Manny Pacquiao return being eyed for January on Amazon Prime

Manny Pacquiao’s return bout is targeted for January as a Premier Boxing Champions’ pay-per-view card on Amazon Prime, two officials familiar with the plans confirmed to Boxing Scene on Friday.

While WBA welterweight titleholder Rolando “Rolly” Romero, 17-2 (13 KOs), remains the front-runner to land the bout, Romero told Boxing Scene he is in the midst of a “spiritual journey” and would not be prepared for an originally eyed December Pacquiao bout.

Record eight-division champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame member Pacquiao turns 48 in December, and he is less than three months removed from a stirring draw against WBC belt holder Mario Barrios Jnr in a bout at MGM Grand that many believed he won.

Pacquiao, 62-8-3 (39 KOs), will repeat his attempt to join Bernard Hopkins and George Foreman as the only men to capture a world title after their 45th birthday.

He hadn’t fought in more than three years when he returned to battle Texas’ Barrios, as judges scored it 114-114 (twice) and 115-113 in Barrios’ favor.

In Romero, Pacquiao would meet a former 140lbs titlist who has lost only to unbeaten three-division champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and a Pacquiao protege in Mexico’s WSBC interim 140lbs titleholder Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz.

After pushing for the bout following his upset victory over Ryan Garcia on May 2 in New York’s Times Square, Romero told BS the “only focus that has been on my mind is growing my relationship with God, because without him, I am nothing.

“It’s not even about money to me … never was. I’m thinking something much bigger.”

Las Vegas’ Romero elaborated in a video interview with spam that he is intent on keeping a promise to God made when he was homeless with a broken hand, with “40 bucks left.”

That led to a meeting with mentor Floyd Mayweather Jnr, in which Romero was given $2,000 by the boxing champion while healing family divisions and receiving a car from a local dealership.

“I didn’t follow God then,” Romero said. “... That money literally saved my life.

“If I didn’t hear the voice of God, I don’t know what would’ve happened. I should’ve followed Christ then. … I made a [compact] with God [that] I would follow him. I just started doing it. Now I know I’m on the right path. I’m ready to come back to boxing and give you guys another massive fight, another pay-per-view and just be a better man.”

The fiercely religious Pacquiao would likely empathize with Romero’s story after his own experience of being born again following gambling and womanizing behavior more than a decade ago.

Pacquiao’s fight sliding to January was enabled by Thursday’s news that PBC will stage a December 6 Prime Video pay-per-view pitting Cruz versus WBA junior lightweight belt holder Lamont Roach Jnr.

Although there was industry talk last month that PBC was interested in staging a Teofimo Lopez Jnr fight with Pacquiao in January, that discussion is now off indefinitely, an industry official said.

[gilgamesh]

I thought to myself as soon as he fought the draw with Barrios. He's either going to rematch Barrios or fight Rolly Romero because that's the other most beatable guy for him.

He went the Romero route. At 47 going any route to a Championship is an impressive feat if he can pull it off. I wish him all the luck in the world, and I think he can do it.

Romero is slow, but hits hard. Pac will have to be careful.

[Taansend]

Romero has gone all Jules Winnfield, hasn't he?

[Ruthless-RKO]

ROLLY ROMERO REMAINS FRONTRUNNER TO FACE PACQUIAO, BUT GERVONTA DAVIS, CONOR BENN IN THE MIX

Manny Pacquiao may be closing in on a deal to fight Rolando "Rolly" Romero, but there are two other names under consideration to fight the Filipino legend next.

The Ring's Mike Coppinger revealed on the latest episode of "Inside The Ring" on DAZN that Gervonta Davis and Conor Benn are also in the running.

Pacquiao ended his retirement at 46 this summer and fought to a disputed majority draw with WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

The eight-weight champ's return to the sport won't end with that fight, however, as he's likely to fight WBA 147-pound titleholder Romero in January.

If that fight doesn't come to fruition, though, Coppinger says Davis or Benn could land the assignment.

Davis will take on Jake Paul in an exhibition fight live on Netflix Nov. 14.

Benn will rematch Chris Eubank Jr. in a 12-round middleweight contest on "The Ring: Unfinished Business" a day later at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, live on DAZN PPV.

New episodes of “Inside The Ring” premiere every Monday on DAZN at 2 p.m. ET and 11 a.m. PT.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Rolando Romero 'perfect' foe for Manny Pacquiao, adviser says

Manny Pacquiao continues to be a busy man in and out of the boxing ring.

The 46-year-old Filipino sensation is planning to return to the ring in January and has a target in mind: WBA welterweight champion Rolando "Rolly" Romero.

It would be Pacquiao's first fight since a majority draw against WBC 147-pound champion Mario Barrios in July, when the Class of 2025 International Boxing Hall of Famer was bidding to break his own record as the oldest fighter to win a welterweight title.

"We would have loved to fight again before the end of the year, but the timing didn't work out," Pacquiao's longtime adviser, Sean 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 confirmed to ESPN that negotiations for a January fight for Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) already have begun.

Outside the ring, Pacquiao will have his hands full launching Manny Pacquiao Promotions in the United States, with the inaugural fight card taking place Nov. 29 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. The event will mark the professional debut of Pacquiao's oldest son, Manny "Jimuel" Pacquiao Jr., against an opponent to be announced.

Pacquiao Jr., 24, spent three years in the amateur ranks and currently trains at Los Angeles' famed Wild Card Boxing Gym under the guidance of Marvin Somodio.

"It is an honor to bring Manny Pacquiao Promotions to the U.S.," Pacquiao said in a statement. "Nov. 29 marks a pivotal new beginning. Some of my greatest memories took place in U.S. rings, and I'm proud to now create opportunities for the next generation of champions. With talent-rich events like this one, we will spotlight rising contenders and provide a platform for fighters to perform on a global stage."

The card will be headlined by Elijah Pierce (21-2, 17 KOs) and Lorenzo Parra (23-1-1, 17 KOs) in a 12-round WBO featherweight title eliminator.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Manny Pacquiao Announces Jan. 24, Las Vegas As Date, Site Of Return, Opponent Still TBD

It’s now known when and where Manny Pacquiao will return to the ring.

The Filipino icon is expected to reveal who he’ll fight soon.

“Hello to all my boxing fans. I’m excited to let you know I will be returning to the ring January 24 in Las Vegas,” Pacquiao announced Tuesday on social media. “It is going to be an exciting and special event. Stay tuned. More news to come on my opponent in the next few days."

Pacquiao will be 47 years old by the time he enters the ring in January. Rolando Romero, the WBA welterweight champion who upset Ryan Garcia by unanimous decision May 2 at Times Square in New York, is believed to be the frontrunner.

Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) last fought to a majority draw against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The bout took place a month after the eight-division champion was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Pacquiao ended a four-year retirement to face the 30-year-old Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs), a fight many believe Pacquiao deserved to win.

[Ruthless-RKO]

FUNDORA-THURMAN EXPECTED TO RESURFACE ON MANNY PACQUIAO UNDERCARD IN JANUARY

Sebastian Fundora’s WBC junior middleweight title defense vs. Keith Thurman is expected to land on Manny Pacquiao’s undercard in late January, sources told The Ring.

The second bout of Pacquiao’s comeback is set for Jan. 24 in Las Vegas, the Hall of Fame boxer announced last week, though sources said the fight could shift to Jan. 31.

Pacquiao was held to a draw in July when he challenged WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. Rolly Romero is considered the front-runner for Pacquiao’s January assignment.

Fundora and Thurman were to headline their own PBC on Prime Video PPV on Oct. 25 in Las Vegas before Fundora's hand injury during training camp, postponing their fight.

Fundora’s injury, sources said, occurred when he landed a punch that connected with his sparring partner’s elbow on Wednesday. Fundora received good news when discovering his hand isn’t fractured, but he can’t spar for three weeks because of a contusion, sources said, as the hand is inflamed and swollen.

Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs) is rated No. 2 at 154 pounds by The Ring. “The Towering Inferno” is coming off a seventh-round TKO victory over Tim Tszyu in their July rematch.

Fundora scored a split decision over Tszyu last year to win the title in an upset. The 27-year-old has dizzying height for a 154-pounder at 6-foot-5½.

Thurman (31-1, 23 KOs) moved up to junior middleweight in March with a third-round KO victory over Brock Jarvis in Australia. The fight was Thurman’s first in more than three years and was meant to set up a title clash with Tszyu later this year in Australia.

Thurman enjoyed a lengthy title run at 147 pounds and his lone professional defeat came against Pacquiao in 2019.

[Ruthless-RKO]

WBA orders Rolando Romero to face Shakhram Giyasov as Pacquiao fight looms

Rolando Romero is now pressed with a mandatory obligation while in pursuit of a far more lucrative opportunity.

The reigning WBA welterweight titleholder was ordered to next face No. 1 contender Shakhram Giyasov, the sanctioning body announced on Monday. News of the mandated title defense comes as Romero remains the rumored frontrunner to face former eight-division titlist Manny Pacquiao in January in Las Vegas.

“Romero… must defend it within 120 days from the date of acquisition, as established in Championship Rule C.11,” the WBA confirmed in a ruling made available to the public. “That period expired on September 1, prompting the Committee to issue the mandatory bout notice for Romero, whose next opponent must be the official challenger, Giyasov.

“Additionally, Championship Rule C.13 stipulates that a champion cannot engage in a non-mandatory fight within 60 days following the expiration of the mandatory defense period.”

Romero is represented by TGB Promotions on behalf of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), who already plan to finalize Romero-Pacquiao. Giyasov is promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with World of Boxing.

Romero, 17-2 (13 KOs), won the title following an upset unanimous decision victory over Ryan Garcia on May 2 at Times Square in New York City.

Garcia was heavily favored to prevail in what was a secondary WBA title fight at the time. A win would have positioned the well-known boxer for a rematch with Devin Haney later this year.

North Las Vegas’ Romero ruined everyone’s plans, beginning with a second-round knockdown and then remaining in control.

Romero was subsequently upgraded to full titlist once Jaron “Boots” Ennis vacated his WBA and IBF 147lbs titles to campaign at junior middleweight.

It has been whispered that Romero and Pacquiao were deep into negotiations for a potential showdown at the start of 2026. However, no such deal has been reached as this goes to publication, nor was any sufficient update provided to the WBA.

It’s a moot point, as the sanctioning body noted that Romero’s mandatory title defense is past due, along with the elapsed period to squeeze in a voluntary defense.

Giyasov, 17-0 (10 KOs), was an inherited mandatory for Romero. The unbeaten 32-year-old – who claimed a silver medal for Uzbekistan in the 2016 Rio Olympics – was previously in queue to next face Ennis.

It was agreed by all parties for Ennis to face then-unbeaten WBA welterweight titlist Eimantas Stanionis in an April unification bout. Ennis won via stoppage after the sixth round, on a show where Giyasov won on the undercard.

The ruling at the time called for Ennis-Giyasov to take place within 120 days. That dynamic changed once Ennis moved up in weight and Romero was elevated to full titleholder. The WBA’s effort to honor the deadline failed miserably, as the mandatory fight being ordered in mid-October gives little to no hope of the fight happening in a timely fashion.

There still remains the chance it doesn’t happen at all. Giyasov could wind up with another substantial step-aside offer, instead allowing Romero and Pacquiao to finalize terms for their showdown.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Pacquiao–Rolly, Thurman–Fundora Eyed for Stacked Pbc Card

[Ruthless-RKO]

Rolly Romero applies for exemption for Manny Pacquiao fight, says Eddie Hearn

It appears as though Shakhram Giyasov may be forced to wait a little longer for his shot at the WBA 147lb title.

Giyasov, a welterweight from Uzbekistan, has been the No. 1-ranked contender with the WBA for some time now, patiently waiting for his chance to fight for the belt. Giyasov agreed to step aside and allow Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis to unify the WBA and IBF welterweight titles, with the hope that he would fight the winner. Ennis came out of the contest with the victory, impressively dispatching Stanionis in six rounds, and with both Giyasov and Ennis both signed by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, it seemed as though Giyasov would get his shot.

Things did not work out that way, and Ennis made the decision to move up to 154lbs, meaning Rolando “Rolly” Romero – the owner of the lesser WBA regular title – was promoted to full world titleholder. Now Giyasov is still due his shot, despite the title changing hands. He remains the mandatory challenger, but it does not seem that Romero fancies taking on Giyasov anytime soon. Romero has instead been in talks for a bout with Hall of famer Manny Pacquiao, who is searching for another crack at a welterweight title, having drawn with Mario Barrios back in July.

Hearn, Giyasov’s promoter, has revealed that Romero has in fact launched a request to the WBA to avoid his mandatory and face Pacquiao next.

“We’ve been mandated to fight Rolly Romero, [Romero’s team] put in an exemption request to face Manny Pacquiao, which I don’t believe is even done,” Hearn told BS. “Shakhram Giyasov has been waiting and waiting, and we believe the WBA should not allow that special exemption to take place.”

This follows Giyasov’s team sending a letter to the WBA last week stating that they “vehemently object to the granting of any special permit that would excuse Romero from satisfying his mandatory obligation.” Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith told BS that the promotion would also be pushing the WBA to give Giyasov his shot.

“It’s frustrating for Shakhram; we obviously had the fight in April where he agreed to step aside to allow the Ennis [versus Stanionis unification] fight to happen for the WBA and IBF,” Smith said. “Giyasov was then due to fight for the WBA next. Romero, there’s talks of him fighting Manny Pacquiao, I believe. The focus for us – and Shakhram has always said – it doesn't matter who the opponent is; he just wants to fight for the world title. Now it’s our job to deliver that, and we’ll be pushing the WBA very hard and we’re hopeful that we can get him this opportunity because he truly deserves it.”

[Ruthless-RKO]