Manny Pacquiao: Return to the Ring and New Projects
The legendary Manny Pacquiao remains active both inside and outside the ring, preparing his return to professional boxing and expanding his horizons with new projects. The 46-year-old Filipino icon has his sights set on a January return, with a clear objective: WBA welterweight champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero. This fight would mark Pacquiao’s return after his fight against Mario Barrios, WBC welterweight champion, in July, where he sought to break his own record as the oldest boxer to win a welterweight title.Sources confirm that negotiations have already begun for Pacquiao’s (62-8-3, 39 KOs) fight in January. In addition to his boxing career, Pacquiao is busy launching Manny Pacquiao Promotions in the United States, with its first card scheduled for November 29 at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. This 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, has experience in amateur boxing and is currently training at the famous Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles under the direction of Marvin Somodio.“We would have loved to fight before the end of the year, but the timing didn’t work. 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, 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’s 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 emerging contenders and provide a platform for fighters to showcase themselves on a global stage.”
Manny Pacquiao
