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Bob Arum Picks ‘Ideal’ Opponent for Manny Pacquiao

Originally posted on Big Fight Weekend | By Ricky Carroll | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 9:43 AM ET

At the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on July 19, Manny Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) returned to professional boxing and faced WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs). The fight ended in a controversial majority draw, with many believing Pacquiao deserved the win. Top Rank CEO Bob Arum spoke to Fight Hub TV and revealed who he believes is the ‘ideal‘ next opponent for “Pac Man.”

Manny Pacquiao Returns in Controversial Draw on July 19

Bob Arum Reveals ‘Ideal’ Next Opponent for Manny Pacquiao

Not many gave Manny Pacquiao a chance before the fight, mainly due to his age and inactivity. However, he didn’t show his age, looking light on his feet and outworking Barrios for most of the fight. The WBC champion looked at his best, staying behind his jab, and out landed the Filipino legend 45-20. Pacquiao landed more power shots, 81-75. Barrios ended the fight strongly, which was enough for him to keep his title, with the judges’ scorecards reading 114-114 x 2 and 115-113 for Barrios.

It was an impressive performance from Pacquiao, considering his age, inactivity and that he was recently inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Pacquiao has made it clear he wants to fight again, and Top Rank CEO Bob Arum has revealed who he thinks would be the ideal next opponent for the Filipino fighter: “I think Manny would be competitive with any of those people, and I think (Rolly) Romero, who is less of a boxer than this guy (Mario Barrios) that Manny just fought, would be ideal for Manny.

“And I give Manny a good chance to win against Romero.”

Andre Ward Backs Manny Pacquiao

Legendary two-weight world champion Andre Ward recently had his say on Pacquiao’s performance and the results: “I don’t know, man. I thought Manny won that. I thought Manny won that fight, bro. I know he lost the last round. I think on all the judges’ scorecards, that was the difference maker.

“I thought Manny won the fight, bro. I thought he did more. I thought Manny did more, man. What y’all think? Manny won the fight. Wasn’t by a lot, but it was enough. I thought Manny did more in certain rounds and stole rounds. It was some close rounds, but I thought Manny did what he’s supposed to do,” said Ward.

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