Manny Pacquiao’s Next Opponent May Be His Most Interesting Matchup Yet

Fresh from his competitive showing against the reigning WBC champion, Pacquiao appears to be moving directly toward another titleholder. 

During the Thrilla in Manila 50th Anniversary press conference in Quezon City, Philippines, Pacquiao said he is now in advanced talks to face Rolando "Rolly" Romero, the current WBA World Welterweight champion.

This potential fight would represent a swift return to championship-level competition for Pacquiao and presents a dramatically different stylistic challenge compared to the more technical battle with Barrios.

Romero himself has expressed openness to the matchup, stating in an interview with Fight Hype, "Who wants to say no to a Manny Pacquiao opportunity?"

Romero, who recently scored an underdog victory over Ryan Garcia in New York, also said that a rematch with Garcia is a possibility. 

Barrios was incredibly risk-averse during his fight with Pacquiao, making their fight more of a technical chess match. Romero's unorthodox, power-punching approach against Pacquiao's legendary speed and footwork creates unpredictable dynamics that didn't exist in the Barrios matchup. 

In an interview with ESNEWS back in 2021, "Rolly" compared his own fighting style to Pacquiao’s unorthodox style. He believes that while Pacquiao may not have the most aesthetically clean style, it’s incredibly effective.

Watch that interview here:

A fight against Romero also creates a more compelling narrative than Pacquiao’s fight against Barrios.

Romero is a bigger draw in the sport than Barrios, having competed against household names like Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Ryan Garcia. He's also much more brash compared to Barrios, who is far less expressive and more soft-spoken than "Rolly." From a promotional standpoint, a fight with "Rolly" will have much more drama in the buildup and make for some enjoyable pre-fight shenanigans.

Pacquiao has consistently sought meaningful challenges, from his rise through eight weight divisions to becoming the oldest welterweight champion in history at age 40. His return from retirement itself was historic, coming just one month after his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Pacquiao has expressed interest in returning to the ring as early as December, just in time for his 47th birthday.

This pattern of breaking new ground makes the potential Romero fight perfectly consistent with Pacquiao's career trajectory, as the boxing legend is always seeking the most relevant and challenging matchups available. Whatever the outcome, Pacquiao's continued pursuit of elite competition in his late 40s at such a high-talented weight class defies conventional boxing wisdom and adds yet another fascinating chapter to one of the sport's most legendary careers.