Manny Pacquiao remains active both inside and outside the ring, preparing his return to boxing. The legendary Filipino boxer, at 46 years old, plans to return to the ring in January, with a clear goal: the WBA welterweight champion, Rolando “Rolly” Romero. This fight would mark Pacquiao’s return after the majority draw against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in July. In that fight, the 2025 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee was looking 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 also has ambitious plans. He will launch Manny Pacquiao Promotions in the United States, with its first card scheduled for 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 years old, has experience in amateur boxing and currently trains at the famous Wild Card Boxing gym in Los Angeles under the direction of Marvin Somodio.We would have loved to fight again before the end of the year, but the timing wasn’t right. 2026 will be a new year with new beginnings and, hopefully, a new opponent. I think the perfect time for Manny to make a statement and return 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 US 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 fighters to showcase themselves on a global stage.
Manny Pacquiao
