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Pacquiao Confirms December Return to the Ring

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Aug 17, 2025 1:43 PM ET

Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has confirmed he will fight again in December, just months after battling to a majority draw with WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas.

Speaking to reporters upon his return to Manila from a vacation in Italy, the 46-year-old Hall of Famer stated, “This year… in December,” making clear his intention to close out 2025 with another bout. Pacquiao recently climbed to the No. 1 spot in the WBC welterweight rankings, placing him back in line for a title opportunity.

His opponent has not yet been finalized. While a rematch with Barrios is under consideration, Pacquiao’s camp has expressed more interest in pursuing WBA “regular” champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero, citing the commercial draw and the fact both fighters are aligned with Premier Boxing Champions. However, Romero is reportedly in advanced talks for a December rematch with Ryan Garcia, which could complicate negotiations.

I look at this picture and I am reminded of the long journey God has allowed me to take. From flyweight to super welterweight… eight divisions, eight mountains to climb.

Every fight was not just about winning a belt, but about testing myself, learning, and growing. To all the… pic.twitter.com/amF4EE7oVi

— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) August 12, 2025

Pacquiao’s Next Move: Safe Bet or Blockbuster Gamble?

For Manny Pacquiao, a rematch with Mario Barrios seems like the safest route back to another world title. In their July bout, Pacquiao was never hurt and many observers felt the 46 year old did enough to win. Running it back with Barrios would not only be a winnable fight. But potentially the most straightforward path to reclaiming championship gold.

But another name has surfaced one far riskier, but infinitely bigger. Gervonta “Tank” Davis. Originally slated to rematch Lamont Roach Jr. after their controversial draw earlier this year, Davis’ camp has gone silent. Despite preliminary talks for an August date, no contracts were signed. Davis also faced recent legal trouble, though his charges have since been dropped. Even with the legal cloud cleared, Davis appears uninterested in revisiting the Roach fight.

That opens the door for Pacquiao. A Pacquiao vs. Davis showdown would be a generational clash. A living legend against one of boxing’s most explosive modern stars. For Pacquiao, it would be his biggest fight since Mayweather and a far more lucrative, high-stakes option than Barrios. For Davis, it would be the marquee name that could elevate him from superstar to global icon.

The question now is whether Pacquiao chooses the safer route back to a belt or rolls the dice on what could be the last mega-fight of his storied career.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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