Rolly Romero requests the WBA to postpone his mandatory fight in order to face Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao made a dramatic return to professional boxing on July 19, proving once again that age is merely a number. The 46-year-old Filipino icon stepped back into the ring for a 12-round showdown with WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios—a bout that ended in a controversial majority draw.

Two judges scored the fight 114–114, while the third awarded Barrios a narrow 115–113 advantage. With the result, Barrios retained his WBC title and improved his record to 29-2-2 (18 KOs). Pacquiao, meanwhile, now stands at 62-8-3 in his illustrious professional career.

Despite the stalemate, Pacquiao’s camp remains optimistic about what lies ahead. Discussions are reportedly underway for a potential clash with WBA champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero—a fight that could give Pacquiao another chance at world title glory.

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Romero is currently expected to face Shakram Giyasov in a mandatory WBA defense, but Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn confirmed that Romero has formally requested a postponement of the mandatory bout to pursue a Pacquiao matchup instead.

Eddie Hearn has revealed that Rolly Romero has applied for an exemption from fighting mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov with the WBA in order to face Manny Pacquiao.

Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing promote WBA No. 1 Giyasov.

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“We have been mandated to fight Rolly Romero, and Romero’s team put in an exemption request to face Manny Pacquiao—which I don’t believe should even be considered,” Hearn told BoxingScene. “Shakram Giyasov has been waiting and waiting, and we believe the WBA should not allow that special exemption to take place.”

Giyasov’s camp has also sent a letter to the WBA stating that they “vehemently object to the granting of any special permit that would excuse Romero from satisfying his mandatory obligation.”

Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith reiterated their frustration:

“It’s frustrating for Shakram. We agreed to step aside in April to allow the Ennis–Stanionis unification fight to happen. Giyasov was then due to fight for the WBA next. Now there are talks of Romero fighting Manny Pacquiao. Shakram has always said he doesn’t care who the opponent is—he just wants to fight for the world title. It’s our job to deliver that opportunity, and we will push the WBA very hard because he truly deserves it.”

Should the Romero fight push through, it could mark yet another remarkable chapter in Pacquiao’s storied legacy—one that continues to evolve even as he approaches the half-century mark.

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