Manny Pacquiao Seeks Triumphant Return to the Ring
The legendary Manny Pacquiao, at 46 years old, remains active and with ambitious plans both inside and outside the ring. The Filipino icon, a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2025, has his sights set on a return to the ring in January, with a clear objective: the WBA welterweight champion, Rolando “Rolly” Romero. This fight would mark Pacquiao’s return after his majority draw against WBC super welterweight champion Mario Barrios in July. In that match, Pacquiao was looking to break his own record as the oldest boxer to win a welterweight title.Sources close to the situation confirm that negotiations have already begun for a fight in January for Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs). Parallel to his boxing activity, Pacquiao is immersed in the launch of Manny Pacquiao Promotions in the United States. The first card of the promoter will take place on November 29 at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. This event will mark the professional debut of Manny “Jimuel” Pacquiao Jr., Pacquiao’s eldest son, against an opponent yet to be announced. Jimuel, 24, has three years of experience in amateur boxing and is currently training at the renowned Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles, under the tutelage of Marvin Somodio.We would have loved to fight again before the end of the year, but the timing didn’t work out. 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 upon his return is January, and I think the perfect opponent is Rolly Romero.
Sean Gibbons, Pacquiao’s advisor
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 is an honor to bring Manny Pacquiao Promotions to the United States. November 29th marks a fundamental 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 perform on a global stage.
Manny Pacquiao
