At an age when most legends are content trading stories on podcasts or cutting ribbons at charity galas, Manny Pacquiao is lacing up his gloves for what could be another chapter in his improbable, history-defying saga. The 46-year-old Filipino senator and eight-division world champion dropped a bombshell last week: he’s returning to the squared circle on January 24, 2026, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. “It will be an exciting and special event,” Pacquiao teased in a social media video, his trademark grin as infectious as ever. “Stay tuned for more on my opponent.”
This comes hot on the heels of his July 19 comeback bout – a razor-thin majority draw against WBC welterweight king Mario Barrios that had ringside observers and Twitter ablaze. Pacquiao, dropping down from middleweight retirement weight to 147 pounds, dazzled with vintage footwork and blistering combinations, outlanding the younger Mexican-American in nearly every round. Many scored it 115-113 for Manny; the judges saw it differently, but the message was clear: Pac-Man still packs a wallop. Now, with the clock ticking toward 2026, the boxing world is buzzing about who’ll dare step into the ring with the man who’s beaten everyone from flyweights to welters.
Pacquiao’s camp, led by advisor Sean Gibbons and promoter MP Promotions, has made no secret of their ambitions: meaningful fights that chase records, not paydays. At 46, Pacquiao eyes becoming the oldest welterweight titlist ever, eclipsing his own mark set at 40 against Keith Thurman in 2019. But with politics – including a potential 2028 presidential run back home – looming, this could be his final lap. Gibbons emphasized, “Manny wants to make history, just like always.” So, who fits the bill? Here’s the shortlist of prime suspects, ranked by likelihood and intrigue.
1. Rolando “Rolly” Romero: The Frontrunner (For Now)
If there’s a matchup screaming “legacy-defining,” it’s Pacquiao vs. WBA welterweight champ Rolly Romero. The 30-year-old Las Vegas native, with his brash persona and knockout power (15 KOs in 21 wins), was the early buzz as Pacquiao’s December target before a mandatory snag derailed it. The WBA ordered Romero to defend against No. 1 contender Shakhram Giyasov, pushing any Pac-Man clash to early ’26.
Why it works: Romero’s awkward, upright style – think a taller, trash-talking version of a young Adrien Broner – could play right into Manny’s southpaw angles and speed. Plus, both are Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) staples, making logistics a breeze. Romero himself gushed, “Who would have thought a Hall of Famer like Manny would ask for me?” A win here vaults Pacquiao back to undisputed status in a division he once owned. Drawback? Romero’s mandatory could drag into summer, forcing Manny to pivot. Odds of happening: 7/10.
2. Mario Barrios II: The Unfinished Symphony
It feels poetic – settling the score with the man who “beat” him in his grand return. Barrios, 29 and still WBC champ, insisted post-fight he won fair and square, but Pacquiao’s camp smells robbery. Gibbons called it “logical,” and fans agree: that July thriller was CompuBox gold, with Pacquiao landing 42% of his power shots to Barrios’ 28%.
Why it works: No egos to massage, just pure redemption. At welterweight, it’s a natural fit, and a sequel could headline a PBC mega-card. Barrios thrives in trenches, but Manny’s experience in 12-round wars (he’s 62-8-2 with 39 KOs) gives him the edge in a trilogy potential. Critics worry it lacks sizzle compared to bigger names, but for purists, it’s chef’s kiss. Odds: 6/10, especially if Romero falls through.
3. Gervonta “Tank” Davis: The Blockbuster Dream
Ah, the pound-for-pound pipe dream. Pacquiao’s top wishlist pick? The 5’5″ Baltimore destroyer, who’s 30-0 with 28 KOs and fresh off a stalled rematch with Lamont Roach. Gibbons drooled over the optics: “For the first time, Manny would be the taller, bigger fighter.” Tank’s explosive left hand vs. Pacquiao’s elusiveness? Fireworks.
Why it works: PPV gold – think 2 million buys easy, rivaling the 2015 Mayweather mega-fight. Davis, eyeing legacy beyond YouTube knockouts, gets a shot at immortality. But Tank’s legal woes and PBC entanglements (he’s fighting Jake Paul on November 15?) could torpedo it. Still, if Romero’s mandatory clears, this becomes the superfight. Odds: 5/10, pure box office if it lands.
The Wild Cards: Benn, Garcia, Lomachenko, and Beyond
Conor Benn (18-0, 12 KOs): The UK bad boy, fresh off an Eubank Jr. rematch, brings youth and hype. At 28, he’s a welterweight wrecking ball, but his middleweight flirtations raise weight-cut flags. Coppinger calls it a “future option.” Odds: 4/10 – solid, but lacks U.S. pop.
Ryan Garcia (25-1, 20 KOs): “King Ryan” publicly lobbied for this in July, tweeting he’d “love” to test Pacquiao’s chin. At 27, Garcia’s speed mirrors Manny’s prime, but his mental fragility post-Tank loss? Risky. Odds: 3/10 – fun, fleeting buzz.
Vasyl Lomachenko (18-3, 12 KOs): A technical masterpiece. The Ukrainian maestro, eyeing a welterweight leap, shares Manny’s footwork wizardry. Gibbons name-dropped him as a “special” foe. Odds: 3/10 – artistry over commerce.
Dark horses? Floyd Mayweather Jr. lurks in exhibition whispers (Pacquiao insists on a real fight), and even Lewis Crocker – fresh IBF champ – threw his hat in via X. But with Top Rank rumors swirling (Bob Arum denied a reunion, for now), expect PBC to lock it down.Pacquiao’s fire burns bright, but Father Time lurks. His July draw showed rust in defense – eating counters he once slipped – yet the heart remains unbreakable. Whoever emerges opposite him on January 24, it’ll be must-watch: a legend chasing eternity, one left hook at a time. Stay tuned, fight fans; Pac-Man’s plot twists are legendary.
