FANS around the globe have a different feeling regarding Manny Pacquiao’s reported second challenge for the welterweight world title within seven months. However, that fight may be on the verge of a collapse unless a deal can be agreed.
When 46-year-old legend Manny Pacquiao, 62-8-3 (39 KOs), announced that he would be challenging Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight world title after a four-year hiatus, many of his supporters feared the worse.
However, the Filipino southpaw instead left the contest feeling short-changed, arguably pulling off the upset and defeating Barrios but his efforts being rewarded with only a draw in the opinion of the judges.
As a result, when rumours of Pacquiao’s January challenge against Rolando Romero, 17-2 (13 KOs), for the WBA welterweight world title became prevalent, there were less grimaces amongst the boxing community and more belief that ‘Pac Man’ could pull off a shock win.
Yet, the latest news from the WBA has thrown that proposed fight into doubt, with Uzbekistan’s Shakhram Giyasov, 17-0 (10 KOs), instead being ordered for his long-awaited shot at Romero’s WBA welterweight title.
On the WBA website, it was revealed that a 30-day negotiation period is now underway and that purse bids will be called if an agreement is not reached by November 13.
“The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee has ordered the welterweight world title bout between champion Rolando Romero and mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov, as confirmed through an official communication sent to both parties on Monday, October 13.
“The Committee granted the standard 30-day negotiation period, starting October 13 and concluding on November 13.
“Romero, who captured the title on May 2 by defeating Ryan García in New York, must defend it within 120 days from the date of acquisition, as established in Championship Rule C.11.
“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.
“If both camps fail to reach an agreement within the allotted timeframe, or if either party refuses to negotiate, the Committee may call for a purse bid in accordance with WBA regulations.”
Whilst such news seems damning to Pacquiao, there is a chance that Romero’s team can agree a step-aside deal with Giyasov that would see him withdraw from his mandatory challenge and allow Romero-Pacquiao to go ahead.
That being said, Giyasov has accepted step aside deals in the past and has been waiting for his own challenge for years now.
Additionally, he will likely see the Romero fight as a winnable one and, having promised his daughter that he would win a world title before her tragic passing earlier this year, Giyasov may see this opportunity as one that he cannot turn down.
Therefore, a January outing may instead serve as a preparation bout for Pacquiao, ahead of a challenge for world honours later on during 2026. Alternatively, Pacquiao may now turn his attention towards a rematch with Barrios.
