Negotiations for a highly anticipated welterweight showdown between Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and WBA champion Rolly Romero have collapsed, dashing hopes for a fight in early 2026.
From Finalization to Failure
According to a report from the authoritative boxing magazine The Ring, the talks have broken down. This comes after a period of optimism where Pacquiao himself, now 47 years old, indicated in an interview that negotiations for a January 2026 challenge were nearly complete. The potential date was later shifted to March 2026 before the discussions ultimately fell apart.
A Door Opens for Mayweather
The unexpected collapse of the Pacquiao-Romero bout has significant implications for the sport's landscape. Most notably, it creates a narrow opening for a potential blockbuster rematch between Manny Pacquiao and American legend Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Their first encounter, dubbed "The Fight of the Century," took place in May 2015. In that premier bout, Mayweather defeated Pacquiao by unanimous decision. A second fight has been a topic of speculation and fan demand for years, and this latest development adds fresh fuel to those rumors.
What Comes Next for Pacquiao?
With the Romero fight off the table, the boxing world's attention now turns to what the Philippine senator and eight-division champion will do next. A return to the ring against another top contender or the pursuit of the lucrative Mayweather rematch are the most prominent possibilities on the horizon.
While no official statements have been made regarding new negotiations, the failure of the Romero deal ensures that the next chapter in Manny Pacquiao's storied career will be one of the most closely watched stories in sports.
