WBA welterweight champion Rolando Romero expresses interest in fighting Manny Pacquiao

World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion Rolando Romero has established himself as one of the best boxers of his generation and in his weight division since making his professional debut in 2016.

Romero has been linked to several possible opponents for his next fight, including Ryan Garcia, whom he unanimously defeated in their welterweight title clash in Times Square, New York, on May 2, 2025.

While many believe a rematch with Garcia is in the works, the 29-year-old revealed in an interview with Boxing News that he has his sights set on a different—and more iconic—opponent.

“A Hall of Famer (Manny Pacquiao) on my resume? Who wouldn’t want that? That’s the easiest way to get into the Hall of Fame, right?” Romero said in a media interview.

Pacquiao’s highly anticipated professional comeback against World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios ended in a controversial majority draw after 12 rounds, with two judges scoring the bout 114–114, and the third judge scoring it 115–113 in favor of Barrios.

Pacquiao vs. Rolando “Rolly” Romero for Two World Titles?
Don’t be surprised if this fight becomes a reality.

Sources say Pacquiao vs. Romero is strongly being considered as Manny’s next bout—and it makes perfect sense. Romero holds the WBA “Regular” welterweight title, and… pic.twitter.com/EV5OYmrVFy

— Powcast Sports (@POWCASTSPORTS) July 24, 2025

The result meant that Barrios retained his WBC welterweight title and improved his record to 29-2-2 with 18 knockouts, while Pacquiao’s record dropped to 62-8-3.

The 46-year-old was not pleased with the outcome, stating that he believed he had won the bout and immediately called for a rematch.

While Pacquiao remains a huge name, several other candidates are also in the running for a future Romero bout—including current WBA lightweight champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis.

Romero holds a 17–2 win-loss record, including 13 knockouts, and has won his last 14 fights, making him one of the most in-demand fighters in the welterweight division.

His hopes of facing Pacquiao could become a reality, as Sean Gibbons, president of Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, has previously revealed that Pacquiao is eager to continue fighting and aims to face more world champions in the future.

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