Pacquiao Announces His Next Big Move

Manny Pacquiao has announced his Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MPP), as the eight division champion starts a major venture outside of the ring.

Pacquiao has installed his longtime manager, Sean Gibbons—who guided Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz to his first world title shot—as the company’s president. On the business side, Hollywood executive Tony Cohen joins as CFO and Vice President, focusing on securing major casino and arena partnerships across the United States. Cohen wants to make an independent PPV platform aimed at giving fighters more financial control over their careers. Elsewhere, lead matchmaker Brendan Gibbons is focused on scouting and signing promising prospects. The timing of the launch comes amid reports Pacquiao is finalizing a deal to face Rolando Romero.

“It is an honor to bring Manny Pacquiao Promotions to the U.S. Some of my most unforgettable moments happened inside American rings. Now, I want to help create those same moments for today’s fighters,” Pacquiao said

Implications

Pacquiao’s greatest asset is his global name recognition and inherent star power. MPP can attract immediate attention simply by putting Pacquiao’s name on a show poster. Furthermore, having a champion like Pacquiao as the face of the company provides an authentic appeal to young talent. Prospects will know their promoter genuinely understands a fighter’s needs.

The primary risk for MPP is the immense challenge of transitioning from being the star of the show to running the show. The boxing business is notoriously complex, requiring constant management of contracts, broadcast negotiations, state commissions, and the competing interests of rival promoters. For example, the immediate goal of securing major events in 2026 will put MPP in direct competition with established giants like Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) and Matchroom.

Furthermore, Manny Pacquiao’s dual role as a promoter and an active fighter—especially as he pursues a fight with Rolando Romero—creates a significant potential conflict of interest and distraction. An organization’s launch requires full-time, hands-on leadership, yet Pacquiao remains committed to the grueling schedule.