The unexpected rival who wants to finish off Manny Pacquiao

While the draw between Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios continues to spark debate across gyms, forums and boxing circles, one fighter is already angling to write his name into the next chapter of the story. WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero sees the 46-year-old Filipino legend as a golden opportunity.

“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 Boxing Scene.

Romero allies credentials with selling power

Romero isn’t just another hopeful. He holds a legitimate world title - the WBA welterweight belt - and, perhaps more importantly, he operates within the same promotional orbit as Pacquiao: Premier Boxing Champions. In a sport where promotional politics often block big fights, that shared ecosystem matters.

But Romero brings more than just credentials. He knows how to sell a fight. He proved it against Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia - two of the biggest pay-per-view draws of their generation. In both cases, the Las Vegas native stirred the pot, talked the talk and kept the spotlight burning beyond the ropes.

In boxing, where drama sells as much as skill, that’s as valuable as a well-timed left hook.

Pacquiao’s return: more than nostalgia

Pacquiao’s recent return against Barrios ended in a majority draw, leaving fans and pundits divided. His longtime advisor, Sean Gibbons, didn’t mince words: “Manny, even at 46, showed up like he always does […] but after Barrios got cracked a few times, he was fighting like Manny was an ICE agent.”

At 46, Pacquiao didn’t look like a relic of the past. He showed flashes of the relentless engine that made him an eight-division world champion. His legs, though not as electric, held up for 12 rounds. His chin endured. His will remained unshaken. What he needs now isn’t a soft touch - it’s a fight that justifies the spectacle: belts on the line, commercial stakes and a compelling narrative.

Romero checks all those boxes - and then some.

“Makes sense”

With 17 wins (13 by knockout), Romero’s career has swung between boldness and redemption. He was knocked out by Davis in 2022, lost his 140-pound title to Isaac Cruz in 2024, but bounced back by stopping Garcia and claiming the interim welterweight crown. He was later elevated to full champion when Jaron Ennis moved up in weight.

In a welterweight division in flux, Romero offers something few others can: controversy, a belt and a story.

“We can do it,” Romero told Boxing Scene. “Everything has to make sense. It’s going to be a fan favorite. That makes sense right there.”

In a sport where fights are built as much on headlines as on headshots, just calling out a legend can land a solid punch.

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