Pacquiao Plans 2026 Return; Rolly Romero Rumored Opponent

The soon-to-be 47-year-old Manny Pacquiao alerted his millions of followers on Tuesday that he plans to fight in early 2026 on January 24 against a mystery opponent.

Opponent Still a Mystery

Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) didn’t say who it is, but it’s an open secret that it’s WBA welterweight champion Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero (17-2, 13 KOs). That’s the easy mark that Manny is expected to face.

A victory for the 47-year-old Filipino star would break a record for the oldest welterweight champion. It would also send a message of how poor the 147-lb division is now.

There’s only WBO champion Brian Norman Jr. and not much else. Going up against Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs) would be a bad idea for Manny, as he has too much power and talent. Getting knocked out by Norman Jr. would be a bad way for Pacquiao to end.

Pacquiao and Romero are reportedly finalizing a deal to fight on January 24. Rolly is viewed as a paper champion by many boxing fans and the ideal belt-holder for Pacquiao to capture a world title without losing.

Fans on social media are unhappy about the possibility of Pacquiao fighting for another world title. They feel he’s being gifted a world title shot without earning it the way contenders do. It’s viewed as cheapening the sport, making it look more like a popularity contest.

Giyasov Skipped Over

What potentially makes the WBA look worse is that mandatory Shakram Giyasov has been waiting for a world title shot since 2023, and has been skipped over. He should be next, not 47-year-old Pacquiao.

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

Pacquiao came out of a four-year retirement recently, fighting to a 12-round draw against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19, 2025. There were a lot of angry people about Pacquiao being given a world title shot in his first fight back.

Fans believe that it shouldn’t have happened. Pacquiao should have had to defeat the then #1 WBC contender Souleymane Cissokho.