2025-12-09 12:16:00

Manny Pacquiao is still targeting a showdown with Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, his long-time advisor Sean Gibbons has said.

Pac Man, 46, has faced repeated delays to securing his next bout, with a March 2026 return now being discussed.

However, Pacquiao remains determined to challenge the WBA welterweight champion, 30, in his bid to become the oldest welterweight champion in history.

Speaking to Fight Hype, Gibbons said: “There’s discussions for March. Rolly asked the WBA for an exception, so there’s ongoing conversations for that fight. That’s at welterweight.

“Manny would love to better his record that he made at 40 years old, beating Keith Thurman to be the oldest welterweight champion. So, if we could fight Rolly, that would be great.”

Pacquiao and were previously in talks earlier this year, only for the WBA to order Rolly to defend his belt against mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov, 32.

Romero has since applied for a special exemption that would allow him to face Pacquiao instead, keeping their clash alive and firmly in the Filipino’s sights.

The eight-division champion is aiming to break his own record at 147lbs, having become the oldest welterweight titleholder when he defeated Keith Thurman, 37, in 2019.

If he beats Romero, he would also become the second-oldest world champion ever, behind Bernard Hopkins, who won a title at 49 in 2024.

Pacquiao returned to professional boxing in July against Mario Barrios, 30, producing a spirited performance in a majority draw that saw El Azteca retain his WBC title.

A December comeback date then fell through when Lamont Roach Jr., 30 and Isaac Cruz, 27 were elevated to the top of the bill, while plans to fight on 24 January collapsed after UFC 324 was scheduled for the same night.

Gibbons has been clear that Romero remains the preferred option.

Speaking to BoxingScene, he said: “I don’t see why Barrios again. There’s Rolly Romero, [Gervonta] ‘Tank’ Davis. Why do it again?

“Mario Barrios doesn’t draw anything and brings nothing to the table but that belt. Rolly Romero would be an unbelievably fun fight and one hell of a promotion.”

Pacquiao has also revealed he has been working with Floyd Mayweather Jr., 48, for a possible rematch more than a decade after their 2015 showdown.

He said: “There’s a possible rematch with Floyd Mayweather… I’d love to have another fight, a rematch with Floyd Mayweather.”

While Mayweather is currently tied to an exhibition against Mike Tyson, 59, Pacquiao’s focus remains on Romero, and on a world title that could further cement his already historic legacy.

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