FOLLOWING his return to the sport in July, Manny Pacquiao is touted to challenge for a welterweight world title once again, with a clash against Rolando Romero strongly rumoured. Now, ‘Pac Man’ has revealed a fight date and location for his next outing.
Pacquiao, 62-8-3 (39 KOs), ended a four-year inactive spell with a surprise world title shot, but came up short when he and WBC champion Mario Barrios fought to a majority draw back in July.
Since then, the 46-year-old icon had been linked to a rematch with ‘El Azteca’ until whispers of a challenge for the WBA welterweight world title, currently held by Rolando Romero, 17-2 (13 KOs), emerged.
Speaking with ESPN earlier this month, Pacquiao’s adviser Sean Gibbons labelled ‘Rolly’ as the ‘perfect opponent’ for the eight-division conqueror.
“We would have loved to fight again before the end of the year, but the timing didn’t work out.
“2026 will be a new year with new beginnings and hopefully a new opponent. I think the perfect time fort Manny to make a statement to come back is January, and I think the perfect opponent is Rolly Romero.”
Last night, on the Indistry Media Instagram account, Pacquiao informed fans that he will return to fight on Saturday, January 24, in Las Vegas – where Romero was born and raised and currently resides.
“Hello to all my boxing fans, I am excited to let you know that I will be returning to the ring on January 24 in Las Vegas. I am looking forward to working with Indistry [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. Thank you everyone.”
If Romero is confirmed, it will be Pacquiao’s eighth consecutive welterweight world title bout and will once again present the Filipino fan-favourite with the opportunity to break his own record (42) of being the oldest ever world champion in the 147lb division.
