Pacquiao plans 2026 return; Rolly Romero is a rumored opponent

Manny Pacquiao, who will soon turn 47, alerted his millions of followers on Tuesday that he plans to fight in early 2026 on January 24 against a mystery opponent.

The opponent remains a mystery

Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) hasn’t said who he is, but it’s no secret that it’s WBA welterweight champion Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero (17-2, 13 KOs). This is the easy mark that Mane is expected to face.

A win for the 47-year-old Filipino star would break the record for the reigning welterweight champion. It would also send a message about how bad the 147-pound division is right now.

There is only one WBO champion Brian Norman Jr And not much else. Facing Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KO) would be a bad idea for Manny, because he has a lot of power and talent. Elimination at the hands of Norman Jr. would be a bad way to end Pacquiao.

Pacquiao and Romero are said to be finalizing an agreement to fight on January 24. Many boxing fans view Rowley as a card champion and the ideal belt holder for Pacquiao to capture a world title without losing..

Fans on social media are unhappy about the prospect of Pacquiao fighting for another world title. They feel he’s earned a world title without winning it like the contenders do. This is seen as devaluing the sport, making it look like a popularity contest.

Skip Giasov

What might make the WBA look worse is that mandatory Thank you, Giasov He had been waiting for a world title shot since 2023, and was passed over. He should be next, not the 47-year-old Pacquiao.

“Hello to all boxing fans. I am happy to tell you that I will be back in the ring on January 24 in Las Vegas. It will be an exciting and special event. Stay tuned. More news about my opponent will be coming in the next few days,” Manny Pacquiao said on social media, warning his fans about the date of his next fight.

Pacquiao came out of a four-year retirement recently, fighting to a 12-round draw against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19, 2025. There were a lot of people angry about Pacquiao getting a world title shot in his first fight.

Fans think it shouldn’t happen. Pacquiao should have defeated then-WBC No. 1 contender Souleymane Sissoko.