JAKARTA Eight-dvision world champion Manny Pacquiao is eyeing a fight against WBA welterweight champion Rolando "Rolly" Romero, early next year.
Sean Gibbons, who is Pacquiao's adviser, said they wanted the duel to happen by the end of this year, but the preparation time was not enough.
"The year 2026 will be a new year with a new beginning and hopefully we will get a new opponent," he said as quoted by ESPN.
Negotiations about the fight have now begun. It is planned that the two names will enter the ring in January 2026.
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"I think it was the right time for Manny Pacquiao to make a statement that he will return to the duel in January 2026 and I think Romero is the perfect opponent," said Gibbons.
It was Pacquiao's first duel since he managed to hold back the WBC welterweight world champion, Mario Barrios, in July 2025.
The result made Pacquiao fail to break his own record of being the oldest fighter to win a welterweight world title.
Pacquiao is currently in the United States and is still very busy. He is currently launching Manny Pacquiao Promotion with his first match card planned to be held in November 2026 at the Pechanga Resort Casino, California.
The event will mark Pacquiao's son, Manny Jimuel Pacquiao Junior's debut. However, Manny Junior's opponent has not been announced until now.
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