Manny Pacquiao has comeback date pushed back again as new update on world title clash emerges

Manny Pacquiao’s advisor has confirmed he is still aiming for a fight with Rolly Romero.

Pacquiao returned to the professional scene in a valiant battle against Mario Barrios in July.

Getty

He was initially set to continue his comeback on December 6, until Lamont Roach Jr and Isaac Cruz landed the headline spot of the card.

The new plan was then January 24 until UFC 324 was announced for the same date, leaving ‘Pac Man’ facing a setback once again.

Now, Pacquiao’s next appearance is being touted for March 2026.

Despite the delays, his advisor, Sean Gibbons, has confirmed that Pacquiao still has his sights firmly set on Romero’s WBA welterweight belt.

As the Filipino remains eager for the chance to break his own record by becoming a world title holder at 147lbs, aged 47.

Gibbons told Fight Hype: “There’s discussions for March.

“Rolly asked the WBA for an exception, so there’s ongoing conversations for that fight. That’s at welterweight.

“Manny would love to better his record that he made at 40 years old, beating Keith Thurman to be the oldest welterweight champion.

“So, if we could fight Rolly, that would be great.”

Is Manny Pacquiao likely to fight Rolly Romero next?

Earlier in the year, Pacquiao and Romero were in talks to action a fight.

Getty

Romero has since been ordered to face the WBA mandatory challenger, Shakhram Giyasov.

However, he has applied for a special exemption from the governing body to face Pacquiao instead of the Olympic silver medalist.

Should ‘Pac Man’ finally get the chance to challenge Romero for his title and emerge victorious, he would not only break his own record but also become the second-oldest boxing world champion.

Pacquiao would come in behind the legendary Bernard Hopkins, who achieved the feat at 49 years old back in 2024.

While there is the possibility that the exemption will not be granted for Romero, Pacquiao is also open to settling the score with an old foe of his.

It is believed that the 46-year-old could have the opportunity to rematch Floyd Mayweather Jr, over a decade since their first clash.

Getty

While Mayweather Jr is currently gearing up to face Mike Tyson in an exhibition bout, it seems likely that Pacquiao will face Romero before a potential chance at his former rival.