Rolly Romero accuses Manny Pacquiao of demanding more money during failed fight talks

Tension briefly spilled into the spotlight after American boxer Rolando Romero took aim at Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao over a bout that never came to fruition.

Romero stirred controversy on social media, alleging that negotiations for a potential clash with the eight-division world champion collapsed due to repeated demands for higher compensation from Pacquiao. The claim surfaced as the boxing world continues to buzz about Pacquiao’s expected rematch with longtime rival Floyd Mayweather Jr..

“Also completely unrelated and I didn’t want to fight Pacquiao out of respect for legend, nor would I have got my credit, but he kept calling me out then wastes my time because he is so broke he wouldn’t stop asking for more money,” Romero wrote on X.

Romero did not present evidence to support the accusation, but his comments quickly circulated among boxing fans already following developments surrounding Pacquiao’s return to the ring.

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“He is so broke.”

Rolly Romero makes his feelings known on negotiating with Manny Pacquiao pic.twitter.com/nMEDD3trZj

— BoxingMagnet (@BoxingMagnet) March 4, 2026

The Filipino icon recently stepped back into the spotlight when he faced former WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in a bid to reclaim another world title. The closely contested bout ended in a majority draw, leaving Pacquiao still searching for another championship chapter late in his career.

Now 47, Pacquiao is preparing for what could be one of the biggest events in modern boxing — a long-awaited rematch with Mayweather scheduled for September 19, 2026 at Sphere in Las Vegas.

The two first met in the historic 2015 “Fight of the Century,” a bout that generated record-breaking revenue and global attention. More than a decade later, anticipation remains high as fans look forward to another chapter in one of boxing’s most famous rivalries.

Despite the latest off-ring chatter, interest in the Pacquiao-Mayweather sequel continues to grow, with thousands expected to descend on Las Vegas for the blockbuster showdown between two of the sport’s most recognizable figures.

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