Manny Pacquiao’s long-anticipated return to world title contention is in serious doubt — with suggestions the Filipino legend could now be eyeing a shock reunion with Bob Arum’s Top Rank following developments within Premier Boxing Champions (PBC).
The development comes after the World Boxing Association (WBA) blocked Pacquiao’s proposed welterweight title challenge against Rolando “Rolly” Romero (17-2, 15 KOs), throwing months of planning into disarray.
WBA roadblock hit Pacquiao
The WBA Championships Committee confirmed that the initial Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) target, Romero, must begin negotiations with his mandatory challenger, Shakhram Giyasov (15-0, 9 KOs), effectively freezing the eight-weight boxing legend’s path to a 13th world title attempt.
“The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee has ordered the welterweight world title bout between champion Rolando Romero and mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov,” the sanctioning body announced on October 13.
The Committee granted both camps 30 days to negotiate, setting a deadline of November 13 before a purse bid.
Romero, who claimed the title on May 2 by defeating Ryan García in New York, was required to defend it within 120 days under Championship Rule C.11. That window closed on September 1, prompting the WBA’s intervention.
Additionally, Rule C.13 prevents a champion from taking a non-mandatory fight within 60 days after that deadline — a stipulation that directly derailed Pacquiao’s comeback plans with Al Haymon’s PBC.
PBC’s crumbling fall calendar
The WBA’s decision coincides with growing instability within the PBC schedule. Multiple injuries and stalled negotiations have left Haymon’s operation scrambling to salvage its late-2025 lineup.
One of PBC’s marquee bouts, Sebastian Fundora vs. Keith Thurman, was postponed after the WBC Super Welterweight Champion suffered a hand contusion in sparring. The fight — initially scheduled for October 25 — has now been pushed to 2026, with full refunds issued to ticketholders.
WBN understands that PBC could reposition the Fundora-Thurman clash as a standalone Pay-Per-View event on January 24, the same slot initially reserved for Pacquiao vs. Romero. However, even that date remains uncertain amid suggestions the fight may not happen.
Thurman has an interview lined up with World Boxing News that should clear up some of the current confusion.
However, this scenario arises after a string of setbacks that saw PBC lose momentum in promoting major bouts, such as Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach II, and several former champions being inactive.
Pacquiao’s exception — or exit
Despite the WBA’s ruling, World Boxing News understands that the WBA could still grant an exception if Giyasov receives written guarantees of facing the winner. Given Pacquiao’s immense commercial value, PBC is lobbying hard for flexibility.
Still, contingency plans are already in motion. Reports emerging from both Manila and Las Vegas indicate that Pacquiao is exploring a reunion with Top Rank, potentially setting up a crossover “legacy” fight under Arum’s guidance — even if that means moving down in weight.
WBN has learned that Vasiliy Lomachenko, who recently retired, remains the preferred option for such a matchup. However, Pacquiao’s adviser Sean Gibbons declined to comment when contacted by World Boxing News.
Arum, now 93, has also not yet responded to WBN’s outreach on the matter.
The politics behind the pause
Pacquiao, 46, remains one of the sport’s most recognizable global figures. His pursuit of an unprecedented 13th world title across eight weight divisions was poised to make history — until boxing’s familiar politics intervened.
While the WBA’s enforcement of its rotation rules is standard procedure, the timing has reignited debate over sanctioning body power, fighter leverage, and promotional conflicts.
Should Pacquiao abandon the Romero fight in favor of a Top Rank reunion, it would signal a significant shift in the post-PBC landscape and perhaps close the final chapter of his four-decade career where it began — under Arum’s banner.
What’s next for Pacquiao
If negotiations between Romero and Giyasov collapse or reach a solution, the WBA could still reopen the door for Pacquiao. But for now, his highly publicized post-47th birthday fight sits in limbo as boxing politics once again take center stage.
The Filipino icon’s next move — whether a final title run under PBC or a nostalgia-fueled superfight with Lomachenko — could define how one of boxing’s most decorated careers finally ends.
Until then, the WBA ruling stands as the latest reminder that even legends aren’t immune to the sport’s political chaos.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights.
[View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.