Manny Pacquiao's next fight plans have hit a snag. The Filipino boxing legend's potential bout with WBA welterweight champion Rolando 'Rolly' Romero is now up in the air.
Pacquiao, the 46-year-old eight-division champion, has been looking for a big-name opponent since his controversial draw with Mario Barrios. His team had zeroed in on Romero for a late 2025 showdown. But Romero threw a curveball during a recent Instagram live broadcast.
When asked about fighting Jermell Charlo at 154 pounds, the Las Vegas native said:
"No, I wouldn't fight Charlo. I really don't care to fight anyone right now."
Romero's statement casts doubt on the Pacquiao fight. It might push the matchup to next year or force Pacquiao to look elsewhere.
Sean Gibbons, Pacquiao's adviser, had previously touted Romero as a top pick. He explained:
"Rolly Romero is one of the leading candidates because Manny wants meaningful fights. He wants to break his own records and make history, just as he did when he won a world title at 40 years old."
Gibbons also floated another intriguing option – Gervonta 'Tank' Davis. He said:
"If Pacquiao were to beat Barrios, the biggest box office opponent in the United States is Gervonta Davis. For the first time in a long time, Manny would be the taller and bigger fighter in that fight."
Pacquiao himself seemed open to the idea, telling The Ring:
"I like the fight with Davis, but first let's finish with Barrios. Nothing personal, just doing my job. One at a time."
However, Davis has already committed to fight Jake Paul in November, making that matchup unlikely in the near future.
With Romero's uncertain status and Davis' busy schedule, Pacquiao's next move remains unclear. The boxing world will watch closely as the Filipino legend's team works out his next step in the coming months.
