Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will not return to the ring before the end of 2025.
The former eight-weight world champion tried to make history in a comeback fight earlier this year.
Manny Pacquiao ended his four-year boxing retirement when he fought Mario Barrios in July. The 46-year-old’s comeback was marred by controversy when the judges scored his WBC welterweight title bout a majority draw.
Now he’s closing in on a potentially historic fight with WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero.
Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesManny Pacquiao’s next fight delayed until 2026
Manny Pacquiao vs Rolly Romero was originally expected to headline a pay-per-view show in December.
A 140lb clash between Isaac Cruz and Lamont Roach Jr was supposed to be the co-main event.
However, it’s now been announced that the last man to face Gervonta Davis will headline on December 6 in San Antonio.
Many people think Roach beat ‘Tank’ when they battled to a majority draw on March 1. Although he didn’t walk away with Davis’ WBA lightweight title, ‘The Reaper’ put on a performance that made him a main event-worthy star.
According to WBN, Pacquiao will push back his fight with Romero to avoid clashing with Cruz vs Roach.
If it’s finalized for January, as planned, Pacquiao will have the chance to make history by becoming the oldest welterweight champion of all time at 47 years old.
PAC vs ROMERO | CRUZ vs ROACH 🚨
Pacquiao vs. Romero has been pushed to January, as Cruz vs. Roach is scheduled to take place in December.
PLUS: The December 6 undercard San Antonio co-feature is lined up to be a @qazaqstyle vs. @Laraboxing unification!
The winner is now a… pic.twitter.com/xEQOwg1i53
— World Boxing News (@WorldBoxingNews) October 3, 2025
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Manny Pacquiao takes his promotional company to the US
Last week, Manny Pacquiao announced a huge career move separate from his own fight career.
‘Pac-Man’ will launch his fight promotion in the United States at the start of 2026. Originally established in 2006 as MP Promotions, the boxing legend’s outlet has now been rebranded as Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MPP) ahead of a move into the US market.
“It is an honour to bring Manny Pacquiao Promotions to the U.S.,” the Filipino boxing icon said in a press release.
“Some of my most unforgettable moments happened inside American rings.
“Now, I want to help create those same moments for today’s fighters.
“Through talent-stacked events and an elite platform, we’ll showcase the rising stars and seasoned warriors ready to capture the world’s attention.”