Manny Pacquiao fought to a draw against Mario Barrios in his comeback fight, though many believe he’d done more than enough to win.
Manny Pacquiao fell just shy of entering the history books yet again as he was controversially awarded a draw against welterweight world champion Mario Barrios.
Pacquiao took on Barrios at the age of 46, and defied the odds and Father Time to, in the eyes of many onlookers, beat Barrios.
Though Pacquiao has still not won a fight since 2019, with his first comeback against Yordenis Ugas ending in a loss, and this one ending in a draw, he has insisted that his time in boxing is not over yet.
Speaking on what could be next for Pac-Man, Floyd Mayweather‘s uncle suggested one name in particular.
Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty ImagesJeff Mayweather wants Manny Pacquiao to face Rolly Romero
In an interview posted to The Mayweather Channel on YouTube, Jeff Mayweather was asked who he believes Pacquiao should face next,
“I would fight anyone, any of those guys that has a belt. I mean Rolly has a belt, so Rolly should fight him.”
17-2 Rolando Romero is coming off his biggest win to date as he picked up a unanimous decision victory over Ryan Garcia in The Ring’s Times Square card.
In 2022, Romero faced Gervonta Davis, and was actually ahead on one scorecard going into the sixth, but was obliterated that round by Tank’s KO power.
His next fight saw him pick up the WBA super-lightweight title, though in a hugely controversial way.
Romero, who was behind on every card, defeated Ismael Barroso in the ninth round with one of the worst stoppage wins boxing has seen for years, as Barroso did not seem even slightly hurt by Romero’s flurry of mostly missed shots.
After one poor world title win, Romero lost his belt to Isaac Cruz. Following a comeback win, he faced Garcia, and has recently been upgraded to a welterweight champion as Jaron Ennis‘ moves up in weight.
“I think Rolly has a chance. He has a puncher’s chance,” Mayweather says.
It seems Mayweather continues to make Pacquiao the favorite, as he also predicted him to beat Barrios.
“Rolly is the right person to fight.”
Mikey Garcia believes Pacquiao could beat Romero, too.
Manny Pacquiao vs Rolly Romero – The stats
With Pacquiao adamant he will remain in boxing at least a little while longer, there are a few match-ups left for him to make.
Pacquiao is likely eyeing a fight with Tank, one of the biggest names in boxing, but if he wants an easier route to a world title, Romero will likely be the best pick. Tim Bradley believes Pacquiao beats Tank.
If the pair are to fight, though, it surely must happen soon, as Pacquiao’s age will catch up to him sooner or later.
Though it is a fight nobody expected a matter of months ago, it is worth assessing just how a match-up between the pair could go.
Manny PacquiaoRolly RomeroRecord62-8-317-2Best winsKeith Thurman, Juan Manuel Marquez, Ricky Hatton, Oscar De La HoyaIsmael BarrosoCareer duration30 yearsNine yearsKO%53%68%Age4629Height & Reach5’5.5″ & 67″5’8″ & 68″