Manny Pacquiao: Return to the Ring and New Projects
The legendary Manny Pacquiao remains active, both inside and outside the ring. The Filipino icon, at 46 years old, has big plans for the near future. Pacquiao is eyeing his return to boxing in January, with a clear goal: to face WBA welterweight champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero. This fight would mark Pacquiao’s return after his fight against the WBC 147-pound champion, Mario Barrios, in July. In that encounter, the 2025 International Boxing Hall of Fame Class member sought to break his own record as the oldest boxer to win a welterweight title.Negotiations for the January fight between Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) and Romero have already begun. Outside the ring, Pacquiao is busy with the launch of Manny Pacquiao Promotions in the United States. The first card will take place on November 29 at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. The event will mark the professional debut of Pacquiao’s eldest son, Manny “Jimuel” Pacquiao Jr., against an opponent yet to be announced. Pacquiao Jr., 24, spent three years on the amateur circuit and is currently training at the famous Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles, under the guidance of Marvin Somodio.“We would have loved to fight again before the end of the year, but time didn’t allow it. 2026 will be a new year with new beginnings and, hopefully, a new opponent. I think the perfect time for Manny to return and make a statement is in January, and I think the perfect opponent is Rolly Romero.”
Sean Gibbons, advisor to Manny Pacquiao
The fight card will be headlined by Elijah Pierce (21-2, 17 KOs) and Lorenzo Parra (23-1-1, 17 KOs) in a 12-round WBO featherweight title eliminator.“It’s an honor to bring Manny Pacquiao Promotions to the United States. November 29th marks a crucial new beginning. Some of my best memories took place in the United States rings, and I am proud to now create opportunities for the next generation of champions. With talent-filled events like this, we will highlight rising contenders and provide a platform for boxers to showcase themselves on a global stage.”
Manny Pacquiao
