If Manny Pacquiao had announced a comeback last year to challenge a welterweight champion 17 years his junior, the boxing world might have celebrated the announcement. But after watching 58-year-old Mike Tyson badly defeated by Jake Paul, who was 31 years younger than him, the return of the 46-year-old Pacquiao seems like a bad idea to many. Still, it is already underway. On July 19, in Las Vegas, the Filipino legend will take on Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. While the finer details are being worked out, Manny Pacquiao already has another offer on the table.
Manny Pacquiao stepped away from boxing after his 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugas, a bout that came two years after his triumphant win title win over Keith Thurman in 2019, which saw him become the oldest welterweight world champion in history. Yet, one question lingers: What does the sport’s only eight-division world champion still have to prove? With Pacquiao’s official return to the ring, contenders are now emerging to jot down their names. This time, it’s not Jake Paul in the spotlight. Fresh off a victory over Ryan Garcia in Times Square, Rolando Romero is boldly calling out the boxing legend.
A fight with Manny Pacquiao for the cash? Hard pass
At yesterday’s official launch event for the Jermall Charlo and Caleb Plant card at the Michelob Ultra Arena, Las Vegas, Rolando “Rolly” Romero made his presence felt by making waves in an interview with FightHub TV. Coming off his emphatic May 2nd win over Ryan Garcia, Romero was asked who he’s eyeing next. And without hesitation, he dropped a headline. “Don’t matter if he beats Barrios or not,” Romero said. “Still, Rolly-Pacquiao.” The outspoken former WBA interim lightweight champion gave credit to Manny Pacquiao for his fearless mentality and longevity, noting, “How many losses Pacquiao have? Oh, that’s another thing, bro. Pacquiao is another one that don’t give a f**k about losses. And everyone keep tuning in for him, right?”
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Moreover, the 17-2 boxer criticized young fighters’ obsession with maintaining an undefeated record, arguing it holds little value without facing real challenges. “Bro, all that undefeated sh-t that don’t mean sh-t if you’re not fighting nobody. Nobody gives a f–k about you,” he added. But that’s not all.
Romero made it clear he’s not particularly interested in facing the IBF champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis, despite Ennis coming off an impressive sixth-round RTD victory over Eimantas Stanionis. Instead, Rolly sees more value in matchups that bring excitement and draw attention from the mainstream boxing audience. “Like would I rather fight, I don’t know for instance, a Pacquiao or Jaron Ennis?” he asked rhetorically, listing names like Adrien Broner and Gervonta Davis as more attractive opponents in terms of fan interest and spectacle rather than a title fight.
“I’m not even talking about money. F–k the money,” Romero emphasized. “What’s the bigger fight for the boxing world?” For him, it’s about the energy that a fighter like Manny Pacquiao still brings to the sport. At 62-8, Pacquiao remains a marquee name. And Romero wants to share that spotlight, believing it’s the kind of clash that excites fans far beyond boxing purists.
Interestingly, Rolly isn’t the only one who thinks Manny Pacquiao still has gas left in the tank. A four-division world champion also had high praise for the Filipino icon and shared a message of support.
Too old? Tell that to an all-time great
When Terence Crawford was asked ringside after Canelo Alvarez’s win over William Scull about Manny Pacquiao’s return, he didn’t offer bold predictions, but he did offer respect. Initially neutral, Crawford said, “I don’t know, we shall see.” But when pressed on whether PacMan might be too old to compete at this level, the southpaw from Omaha acknowledged the legend’s legacy.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – MAY 19: < Manny Pacquiao poses for a portrait during a training session at the Elorde boxing Gym on May 19, 2017 in Manila, Philippines. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
“I can’t say if he’s too old or not, you know. If he gets in there and wins then everybody will be saying differently. So I don’t put no limit on an all-time-great like Manny Pacquiao,” he admitted. Crawford’s response reflects the nuance of the moment. Boxing isn’t about age—it’s about execution. And while time waits for no fighter, Manny Pacquiao’s resume has defied expectations for decades.
With that said, do you believe Manny Pacquiao will win against the younger Mario Barrios, who is coming off a draw against Abel Ramos just last year? Or will we see a similar outcome to Mike Tyson’s fight with Jake Paul, where age played a major role? Do you believe ring rust is even a factor for Manny Pacquiao? Or is it a foreign concept to a great like him?
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