Can Pacquiao Beat Romero?

Bob Arum believes Manny Pacquiao still has what it takes to defeat WBA ‘Regular’ Welterweight Champion Rolando Romero if that fight materializes next.

Pacquiao recently came out of retirement to secure a majority draw with WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios. The result received a mixed response, as Pacman showed he could hang in with a much younger fighter when he was 46. However, he missed out on securing the WBC Welterweight Title as Barrios retained his belt.

Some had Pacquiao winning the fight, raising questions over what is next for Manny. Reports stress that Romero could be the next opponent. Rolly is the WBA Regular Welterweight Champion. And with the news that Jaron Ennis has moved up to 154, the regular champion could get the full belt if Ennis vacates. That presents Manny with the chance of another world title shot. Arum felt the Filipino could be competitive against Romero. 

“I think Manny would be competitive against any of those people, and I think Romero is less of a boxer than this guy that Manny just fought, who would be ideal for Manny. I give Manny a good chance to win against Romero,” Arum said 

Should It Happen?

The danger facing Manny is that Romero is a power puncher. He demonstrated that in his last fight, dropping Ryan Garcia in the second round. Garcia became gun-shy for the rest of the fight, feeling reluctant to let his hands go. Romero is also now fighting at a much healthier weight. He has said he struggled to make 135 and 140, while his frame is large enough to go above 147. Pacquiao risks staying in the sport for too long, especially since he has nothing else to prove, having won titles in eight weight classes. However, there are still others waiting in the pipeline to face Manny, including Ryan Garcia. 

“I’ve been interested in fighting the legendary Manny Pacquiao for a while now. It’s something that you dream of. There were talks in the past of us fighting, and then it fell through. There is a history there. I am always up for the challenge. I would be lying if I said I am not interested. If Manny wants to throw down, let’s do it,” Garcia stated