The proposed clash between all-time legend Manny Pacquiao and the polarizing WBA Welterweight Champion Rolando’ Rolly’ Romero is now finalizing for January, WBN can report.
The final negotiations, first reported by WBN last week, are a pivotal factor that now pushes the contest to a date after Pacquiao’s 47th birthday, meaning the Filipino icon is definitely aiming for a record-breaking achievement that will cement his status as boxing’s ultimate ageless wonder.
Due to Pacquiao’s MP Promotions fighter, Isaac Cruz, signing to trade blows with Lamont Roach on December 6, Pacquiao will delay his return by a month, as there is a possibility of two separate Pay-Per-View shows. WBN initially saw Cruz vs Roach as the co-feature for Pacquiao vs. Romero, but Al Haymon had other ideas and is now lining up two separate events.
If the fight is officially finalized for early 2026, as anticipated, Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) will attempt to secure a major world title at 47 years of age. This monumental feat would not only break his own welterweight record but also see him dramatically ascend the all-time list of boxing’s most enduring champions, placing him below Bernard Hopkins and above George Foreman.
Current Oldest World Boxing Champions | October 2025
1 Bernard Hopkins 49 years, 3 months, 4 days | Light Heavyweight
2 George Foreman 45 years, 9 months, 26 days | Heavyweight
3 Thulani Malinga 42 years, 8 days | Super Middleweight
4 Cornelius Bundrage 41 years, 5 months, 16 days | Super Welterweight
5 Manny Pacquiao 40 years, 7 months, 3 days | Welterweight
Pacquiao is already the world leader at 147 after his victory over Keith Thurman in 2019 at the age of 40. Now, the narrative shifts from simply ‘an old legend fighting’ to ‘a historical anomaly attempting to shatter his own records and overhaul Foreman.’ The 18-year age gap with the much younger Romero only amplifies the improbable nature of this pursuit.
The Senator vs. The Instigator
The matchup is also compelling for the complete contrast in personas. On one side, you have Manny Pacquiao: the eight-division world champion, former Senator of the Philippines, and international icon known for his humble beginnings and spiritual devotion. He is the ultimate, universally respected legend.
On the other is Rolando’ Rolly’ Romero (17-2-0, 13 KOs): a divisive, heavy-handed power puncher known for his outlandish trash talk and polarizing antics. Romero has branded himself as the new-age boxing instigator—a figure who draws both intense support and heavy criticism.
This is a classic boxing narrative: the elder statesman, revered for his sportsmanship and record-breaking career, against a loud, powerful, and hungry champion eager to add a Hall of Fame name to his resume. For Romero, beating Pacquiao is the ultimate validation; for Pacquiao, it’s a final, gravity-defying punctuation mark on a career that needs no more justification.
Analyzing Romero’s Threat and The Tactical Edge
To make this comeback successful, Pacquiao must navigate the clear and present danger posed by Romero’s signature asset: sheer, sudden knockout power. Romero’s 76% KO ratio is a stark reminder of his heavy hands.
While critics point to his losses—a devastating knockout defeat against Gervonta Davis and a TKO loss to Isaac Cruz—Romero’s resume is far from soft. He has proven to be an elite-level fighter, albeit against a sub-par Ryan Garcia in May, and his size and strength at welterweight are the greatest threats to the former flyweight champion.
His speed and footwork have always offset Pacquiao’s natural height and reach disadvantage at welterweight. However, against Romero, the problem is compounded. Romero’s unconventional, long-armed, and often-telegraphed power shots create unusual angles. The longer the fight goes, the more the 18-year age gap makes Pacquiao vulnerable to a shot that he would have easily ducked or countered a decade ago.
Experience vs. Youth
The key for Pacquiao, whose speed and footwork will inevitably have declined, will be his legendary ring intelligence and the muscle memory from over three decades in the ring—the very qualities that Romero’s youth and aggression will severely test.
This fight is an existential test for one of the sport’s greatest names and a monumental opportunity for the other. The historical stakes are unparalleled, ensuring that Pacquiao vs. Romero will kick off the New Year with a bang.
WBN understands that a middleweight unification pitting WBO and IBF champion Janibek Alimkhanuly against WBA ruler Erislandy Lara is lined up as the new co-feature to Haymon’s December showcase.
The winner could face Terence Crawford, again, as WBN first reported, in 2026 as part of the four-belt super middleweight champion’s bid to become a four-weight undisputed titleholder.
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 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.