Manny Pacquiao confirms ongoing talks with Rolly Romero for WBA title fight

Manny Pacquiao made a dramatic return to professional boxing on July 19, proving that age is just a number. At 46 years old, the Filipino boxing legend stepped into the ring against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in a 12-round clash that ended in a controversial majority draw.

Two judges scored the bout 114–114, while the third narrowly gave it to Barrios at 115–113. With the result, Barrios retained his title and improved his record to 29-2-2 (18 KOs), while Pacquiao now holds a professional mark of 62-8-3.

Despite the stalemate, Pacquiao and his team remain optimistic about what’s next. Talks are already underway for a potential showdown with WBA titleholder Rolando “Rolly” Romero, which could give Pacquiao another shot at reclaiming world championship glory.

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“Nothing is official yet. We are still negotiating and finalizing the deal with Rolly Romero’s camp,” Pacquiao confirmed during a press conference.

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The statement came during Pacquiao’s appearance at the 50th anniversary celebration of the “Thrilla in Manila”—the iconic 1975 bout between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier—held at a restaurant in Cubao, Quezon City. Pacquiao is spearheading the commemorative event through his Manny Pacquiao Promotions, in partnership with the International Boxing Association (IBA).

As part of the celebration, a special fight card featuring top Filipino talents has been organized to honor the legendary Ali-Frazier clash. Headlining the event will be WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem, who is set to defend his title against Siyakholwa Kuse of South Africa.

Other prominent names on the undercard include Olympian Eumir Marcial and former world champion Marlon Tapales, making the event a showcase of the best boxing talent the Philippines has to offer.

“I can’t imagine what it was like during the ‘Thrilla in Manila,’” Pacquiao shared. “I’ve only heard stories and seen replays of the fight because I was born in 1978. That’s why I feel so blessed and happy to be the one leading this 50th anniversary celebration. I’m truly honored and thankful to God for these blessings.”

Beyond organizing commemorative events, Pacquiao remains driven by personal goals inside the ring. The boxing icon is reportedly eager to break his own record as the oldest fighter in history to win a welterweight world title, a milestone he previously set at age 40 when he defeated Keith Thurman to claim the WBA welterweight crown.

Should the Romero fight materialize, it could mark yet another chapter in Pacquiao’s already storied legacy—one that refuses to fade, even as he nears the half-century mark in age.

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