Pacquiao announces exact next fight date as legend set to return again

Manny Pacquiao will return to the ring in early 2026 shortly after he turns 47. Pacquiao impressively returned from a four-year hiatus in July to challenge Mario Barrios for his WBC welterweight world title. Although the bout ended in a majority draw, many believed that Pac Man’s valiant performance in the ring that night was enough to edge him a win.

It seems that the result still managed to reignite a spark within Pacquiao, even if it wasn’t exactly what he wanted. He plans to continue his comeback, in the hopes of returning to winning ways. And he has now revealed that the bout will take place on January 24, later than the original December date that he had touted for his return.

During a video shared on social media, Pacquiao said: “Hello to all my boxing fans. I’m excited to let you know that I will be returning to the ring January 24th in Las Vegas. It is going to be an exciting and special event. Stay tuned, more news to come on my opponent in the next few days.”

While a rematch with Barrios could be on the cards, another name seems to be the favoured choice for Pacquiao’s next outing—that name being Rolly Romero, the current WBA world welterweight champion. Sean Gibbons, Pacquiao’s adviser, certainly favours a match-up between Romero and his charge.

In July, he told BoxingScene: “I don’t see why Barrios again. There’s Rolly Romero, ‘Tank’ Davis. Why do it again? Mario Barrios doesn’t draw anything and brings nothing to the table but that belt. Rolly Romero would be an unbelievably fun fight and one hell of a promotion.”

Romero certainly seemed keen to make it happen, as he told BoxingScene: “A Hall of Famer on my resume, who wouldn’t want that? That’s the easiest way to get into the Hall of Fame, right?”

Should it be Romero opposite Pacquiao in the ring on January 24, both of the latter’s comeback fights will have been world title shots. It would also give Pac Man another opportunity to beat his record of being the oldest welterweight champ, which he set at 40 when he defeated Keith Thurman. – Talksport

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