MANILA, Philippines – Rolando Romero has emerged as a strong candidate to face Manny Pacquiao next, following the Filipino legend’s return to the ring in a thrilling majority draw against Mario Barrios last July 19 (July 20 in Manila) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Romero, the reigning WBA welterweight champion, expressed his interest in taking on Pacquiao, the sport’s only eight-division world champion. “A Hall-of-Famer on my resume, who wouldn’t want that? That’s the easiest way to get into the Hall of Fame, right?” Romero told BoxingScene’s Lance Pugmire.
The 29-year-old American fighter, who holds a 17-2 record with 13 knockouts, was in attendance at the MGM Grand and said he believed Pacquiao edged Barrios in the close contest. “Pacquiao won the super close fight,” Romero said in a post-fight interview.
While Pacquiao expressed interest in a rematch with Barrios, saying he believed he had done enough to win, MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons said they are considering new opponents instead. Gibbons insisted that Pacquiao was the clear winner of the fight and sees no reason for a second bout against Barrios.
Barrios, who retained his WBC welterweight title, also felt he had done enough to win. However, Gibbons mentioned Romero and WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis as more logical options for Pacquiao’s next bout.
“Pacquiao won the super close fight,” Romero said, potentially setting the stage for a showdown later this year.
A matchup between Pacquiao and Romero is seen as easier to arrange, as both fighters are under the Premier Boxing Champions banner. Gibbons hinted that Pacquiao’s next bout could happen in November or December, and Romero has now emerged as the frontrunner.
With over 13,000 fans present for Pacquiao’s return, the demand for another fight featuring the 46-year-old 2025 Hall of Fame inductee remains high. Romero’s willingness to face him adds excitement to the possibilities for the Filipino legend’s next chapter.
