Manny Pacquiao–Floyd Mayweather Jr. II Possibility Back On?

With the Romero fight off the table, a rematch with Mayweather Jr. first reported by The Ring in October is again a realistic possibility.

The original Mayweather–Pacquiao bout in 2015 shattered revenue records but disappointed many fans competitively. A sequel, 11 years later, would be fueled almost entirely by nostalgia and global curiosity rather than sporting merit.

However, Mayweather may have other obligations first. An exhibition bout with Mike Tyson has been announced but remains without a confirmed date or location, potentially delaying any serious negotiations with Pacquiao.

Pacquiao’s Comeback Exceeded Expectations

Pacquiao returned to the ring in July. Nearly four years after announcing his retirement, and surprised observers with a strong performance in a draw against Mario Barrios in a welterweight title Talks for a proposed Manny Pacquiao–Rolly Romero bout have collapsed. Scrapping plans for a welterweight clash that had been targeted for the first quarter of 2026, sources told The Ring.. The showing reignited interest in Pacquiao’s future and made further bouts feel plausible rather than purely ceremonial.

Romero Faces Mandatory Pressure

While Pacquiao weighs his next move, Romero’s situation has grown complicated.

Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) has not defended his title since his upset victory over Ryan Garcia in May. With the Pacquiao bout no longer materializing, attention has turned to his mandatory challenger, Shakhram Giyasov.

The unbeaten 32-year-old Uzbek is seeking his first world title opportunity and is currently ranked No. 6 at welterweight by The Ring. Romero, despite holding a belt, remains unranked.

Giyasov’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, confirmed that Romero’s team had sought an exception from the WBA to avoid the mandatory defense due to the Pacquiao talks.

That argument no longer holds water.

“I don’t think an exception works when … there’s no fight and it’s not announced,” Kornilov told The Ring. “If the Romero–Pacquiao fight was happening, that’s one thing; we have a lot of respect for a fight like that and for Pacquiao especially.

“But when there is no fight, I believe that rules have to be followed and Rolly has to fight Giyasov. I never understand why some fighters get exceptions and don’t have to fight their mandatories.”

What Comes Next

With Romero–Pacquiao dead, the welterweight landscape shifts again. Romero may be forced into a risky mandatory defense. While Pacquiao’s options narrow to either another title fight. Or a blockbuster rematch with Mayweather that would prioritize spectacle over legacy.

Either way, the collapse of talks has reignited one of boxing’s most polarizing what-ifs and put Floyd Mayweather’s name squarely back into Manny Pacquiao’s orbit.