Manny Pacquiao vs. Rolly Romero in January 2026? Boxing Legend Eyes One More Run at Glory
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 13 Oct 2025
Boxing fans around the world may be treated to a stunning start to 2026, as talks intensify for a blockbuster showdown between Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and WBA welterweight titleholder Rolly Romero. If finalized, the bout could take place in January 2026—potentially in Las Vegas—pitting one of the sport’s all-time greats against one of its most outspoken and unpredictable champions.
Pacquiao, who will turn 47 in December, last fought in July 2025 against Mario Barrios in a match that ended in a controversial majority draw. While some observers thought Pacquiao had done enough to win, the fight raised fresh questions about whether the former eight-division world champion still had the legs and timing to compete with younger fighters.
Now, rumors of a bout with Rolando “Rolly” Romero are gaining traction—and Pacquiao’s camp has reportedly set its sights on a January return. It’s a matchup that combines old-school greatness with brash new energy, and boxing insiders are already weighing in.
“I think Manny’s going to be better than he was last time,” said Keith Thurman, the last man Pacquiao defeated, in an interview with Bloody Elbow. “He shook off the ring rust against Barrios. Now that he’s active again, you can expect sharper timing, better rhythm, and the same fire he’s always brought.”
Rolly Romero (17-2-0, 13KOs) currently holds the WBA welterweight title he won by defeating Ryan Garcia last May in New York. He is known as much for his knockout power as for his erratic interviews and unorthodox fighting style. In a recent piece by Seconds Out, Ryan Garcia warned against underestimating him.
“People don’t understand how heavy his hands are,” Garcia said. “It’s not flashy, but it’s thudding power. He touches you, and you feel it.”
That could spell trouble for Pacquiao, whose last TKO loss came in 2012 against Juan Manuel Márquez. While the Filipino legend has since improved his defense and ring IQ, Romero’s explosive power makes him a serious threat, especially early in the fight.
Pacquiao and Romero have contrasting styles.
Pacquiao, the southpaw speedster, is known for his footwork, angles, and blazing hand speed. Even in his forties, he showed flashes of his old brilliance against Barrios.
Romero brings unorthodox aggression, unconventional movement, and knockout power in both hands. His wild approach could unsettle Pacquiao—or be picked apart by it.
Pacquiao’s ring IQ and experience may allow him to capitalize on Romero’s technical flaws, while Romero will look to impose youth, strength, and chaos.
For Pacquiao, this could be a final run at a title to cap off one of the most storied careers in boxing history. A win over Romero would put in the league with the late George Foreman and Bernard Hopkins who had captured world titles beyond the age of 45 and better his own record of becoming the oldest welterweight champion in history when he wrested Keith Thurman's WBA belt in July, 2019 at age 40.
For Romero, the fight is both risk and reward. Defeating Pacquiao would elevate him to a new level of fame, silencing critics who still question his legitimacy as a top-tier champion. But losing to a 47-year-old, even a legend like Manny, would be a major blow to his credibility.
This potential January 2026 showdown is more than just another comeback attempt. For Manny Pacquiao, it’s a quest to defy time once more. For Rolly Romero, it’s a chance to etch his name into boxing history with a single explosive night.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
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