World Boxing News can exclusively reveal that Manny Pacquiao still wants Rolando “Rolly” Romero next, despite the ongoing WBA complications threatening to derail the matchup.
That’s even amid persistent talk of a Top Rank reunion, a proposed Vasiliy Lomachenko exhibition, and an official mandatory order that could stall Pacquiao’s plans once again.
In a statement to WBN, MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons dismissed speculation that the Filipino icon is pivoting away from the world title route.
“The goal remains the same,” Gibbons told World Boxing News. “Viva Rolly for the WBA!”
Pacquiao’s next fight
The declaration came just hours after Pacquiao’s new U.S. partners, Indistry Media, addressed speculation of renewed ties with Top Rank and rumors suggesting Pacquiao could lure Lomachenko out of retirement for a farewell showcase.
“Indistry Media is the producer and principal investor behind Manny Pacquiao’s upcoming January 2026 event,” COO Erroll Angara told WBN.
“While there has been speculation regarding potential collaborations and Pacquiao’s rumored reunion with Top Rank, this bout is being developed and led by Indistry in direct coordination with Pacquiao’s team.
“Further details regarding the matchup and partners will be shared once all elements are finalized and ready for release.”
The clarification firmly establishes Indistry Media as Pacquiao’s new production base, overseeing what will mark the eight-division champion’s second fight since returning to professional boxing against Mario Barrios this past summer. This bout ended in a draw and reaffirmed Pacquiao’s ability to compete at the elite level even at 46.
WBA throws a spanner in the works
Just as momentum gathered toward Pacquiao–Romero, the World Boxing Association intervened — ordering Romero to face his mandatory challenger, Shakhram Giyasov, before entertaining any voluntary defenses.
In an official statement dated Monday, October 13, the WBA Championships Committee confirmed:
“The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee has ordered the welterweight world title bout between champion Rolando Romero and mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov, as confirmed through an official communication sent to both parties on Monday, October 13.”
The organization granted the standard 30-day negotiation period (October 13–November 13) following the expiration of Romero’s 120-day mandatory defense window on September 1 — four months after his May 2 victory over Ryan García.
“Additionally, Championship Rule C.13 stipulates that a champion cannot engage in a non-mandatory fight within 60 days following the expiration of the mandatory defense period,” the Committee added — effectively ruling out Romero–Pacquiao for now.
If no agreement is reached between Romero and Giyasov by November 13, the WBA has confirmed a purse bid will follow — unless Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) can negotiate a compromise.
Possible WBA exception
Despite the ruling, sources tell WBN that Team Pacquiao remains confident the WBA could grant an exception, provided Giyasov receives a guaranteed shot at the winner.
Given Pacquiao’s global appeal and the commercial magnetism of a Romero bout, PBC is expected to lobby the WBA for flexibility — potentially slotting the fight into an early 2026 pay-per-view framework.
Insiders have suggested that Pacquiao vs. Romero could headline a restructured PBC event alongside the rescheduled Sebastian Fundora vs. Keith Thurman title clash, postponed earlier this month after Fundora suffered a training injury.
“WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian Fundora suffered a hand contusion in sparring, and his title defense against former unified champion Keith Thurman, which PBC had scheduled for October 25, has been postponed. Details on a new date will be forthcoming soon,” a PBC statement confirmed.
That disruption to PBC’s fall schedule may now inadvertently align with Pacquiao’s revised return window.
WBN has also reached out to Giyasov’s camp to clarify whether they would consider a step-aside deal or assurance clause, ensuring the Uzbek contender faces the winner next.
Politics collide with legacy
Pacquiao, now 46, remains one of boxing’s most enduring global figures. His quest for an unprecedented 13th world title across eight divisions was nearing reality when the WBA mandate intervened.
While the governing body’s ruling is procedurally sound, it underscores how boxing politics continue to obstruct legacy-defining fights — particularly for crossover legends like Pacquiao, whose ambitions transcend titles alone.
If Gibbons and Al Haymon can salvage Pacquiao–Romero, the bout wouldn’t just represent another comeback — it would symbolize a final shot at history, potentially positioning Shakhram Giyasov on the undercard as the next in line.
For now, Pacquiao’s realistic world title options appear narrowed to Rolando “Rolly” Romero, IBF champion Lewis Crocker, or a potential WBC rematch with Mario Barrios — each offering a distinct path to a 13th crown.
But as Gibbons made clear, the immediate priority remains unchanged: “Viva Rolly for the WBA.”
U.S. Expansion and Pechanga Debut
Away from the ring, Pacquiao’s next bout is expected to be finalized before his U.S. promotional debut on November 29 — marking the official expansion of MP Promotions into the American market.
The event, confirmed for Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California, represents a significant milestone in Pacquiao’s transition from active legend to full-time promoter.
Joining Sean Gibbons and matchmaker Brendan Gibbons, MPP has appointed Tony Cohen, J.D., as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President. Cohen, a seasoned executive and former promoter of Tony “The Tiger” Lopez, previously worked with Top Rank in the 1990s before earning his law degree.
“I’m returning to support these world-class fighters, many of whom deserve better,” Cohen told WBN. “With my business and legal background, I’m now in a position to make a difference for them truly. The sport needs real leadership — not just promoters.”
The Pechanga debut will feature a WBO Featherweight title eliminator between Elijah Pierce (21-2, 17 KOs) and Lorenzo Parra (23-1-1, 17 KOs), alongside the professional debut of Emmanuel’ Jimuel’ Pacquiao Jr.
Tickets are available via Pechanga.com, Ticketmaster.com, and MannyPacquiaoPromotions.com, including exclusive VIP and Platinum Experience packages.
As Indistry Media and MPP push forward with U.S. expansion, the WBA’s ruling has reshuffled the welterweight chessboard. Yet Pacquiao’s message — through Gibbons — remains crystal clear:
“The goal remains the same. Viva Rolly for the WBA.”
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.