TLDR
- Manny Pacquiao announced his return to boxing on January 24, 2026, in Las Vegas at age 47
- Pacquiao is expected to challenge Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero for the WBA welterweight title
- The Filipino legend fought to a majority draw against Mario Barrios in July after four years of retirement
- Conor Benn and Gervonta Davis have also been mentioned as potential opponents for Pacquiao
- If Pacquiao beats Romero, he would break his own record as the oldest welterweight world champion
Manny Pacquiao revealed on Tuesday that he will return to the ring on January 24, 2026, in Las Vegas. The eight-division world champion announced the date on social media but did not reveal his opponent.
Pacquiao will turn 47 on December 17, making him one of the oldest active fighters in boxing. His return comes after he fought to a 12-round majority draw against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19.
The Filipino star is expected to challenge Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero for the WBA welterweight title. Romero captured the vacant WBA 147-pound belt earlier this year with a unanimous decision victory over Ryan Garcia on May 2 in New York.
Pacquiao posted on social media about his comeback plans. He said he was excited to let his boxing fans know about the January 24 date in Las Vegas. He promised more news about his opponent would come in the next few days.
Many fans felt Pacquiao deserved to win against Barrios in their summer bout. The draw prevented him from capturing another world title in his comeback fight after four years away from boxing.
If Pacquiao receives a title shot against Romero, it would give him another chance at championship gold. Some critics argue he doesn’t deserve the opportunity without earning it through ranked victories.
🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: The 𝐏𝐀𝐂-𝐌𝐀𝐍 is BACK 👾
Manny Pacquiao will return to the ring on January 24th in Las Vegas after his draw with Mario Barrios in July. His opponent will be announced soon, with Rolly Romero rumored to be the frontrunner. pic.twitter.com/q5lbw08QXv
— Source of Boxing (@Sourceofboxing) October 8, 2025
Questions About Title Shot
There was considerable criticism when the WBC gave Pacquiao a high ranking at welterweight without earning it. The decision raised eyebrows because Pacquiao had been out of the ring for four years before fighting Barrios.
The matchup made Barrios look bad for choosing to defend against Pacquiao. However, Barrios didn’t argue about the payday against a fighter he didn’t have to worry about being knocked out by.
If Pacquiao does fight Romero for the WBA title, mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov will be affected. Giyasov has been waiting for over a year for his title shot at the belt.
Romero defeated Garcia in an upset victory that surprised many boxing observers. Garcia showed little in the fight, allowing Romero to dominate him throughout the 12 rounds.
The Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger stated that negotiations with Romero are progressing. However, the deal is not yet finalized for the January date.
Other Potential Opponents
Coppinger revealed that Pacquiao’s team is looking at three possible opponents. He spoke to Sean Gibbons, who runs Pacquiao’s promotional company and serves as his advisor.
The three names being considered are Rolly Romero, Gervonta Davis, and Conor Benn. Benn is currently scheduled to fight Chris Eubank Jr in a rematch on November 15.
Benn is competing at 160 pounds for the Eubank fight. He suffered his first career loss to Eubank in April and wants revenge in the rematch.
After facing Eubank, Benn has stated he will return to 147 pounds. He last fought at welterweight in 2022 before moving up in weight.
Davis is another potential opponent who has a fight scheduled before year’s end. The WBA lightweight champion will face Jake Paul in an exhibition bout next month.
The Davis vs Paul exhibition will be staged at a catchweight of 195 pounds. That is 60 pounds heavier than the current limit Davis competes at in the lightweight division.
Coppinger said those are the fights Pacquiao is looking at right now. Whether for his first or second fight back, those are the opponents his team is considering.
Record-Breaking Opportunity
A victory over Romero would allow Pacquiao to break his own record. He would become the oldest fighter to hold a world welterweight title at 47 years old.
Pacquiao currently holds that record from 2019. He was 40 years old when he beat Keith Thurman to win the WBA welterweight title.
That victory over Thurman remains Pacquiao’s most recent win in professional boxing. He has not won a fight since defeating Thurman six years ago.
World Boxing News reported that Pacquiao’s return was pushed from December to January. The Isaac Cruz vs Lamont Roach Jr fight took over the planned December slot.
While matchups with Benn and Davis would attract more attention, the Romero fight offers a unique incentive. The chance to break his own age record provides motivation for the Filipino legend.
Pacquiao holds a professional record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 3 draws with 39 knockouts. He remains one of the most decorated fighters in boxing history despite his advanced age.
