Pacquiao makes final decision after comeback

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has announced that he will likely be returning to the ring on Jan. 24 in Las Vegas, after making his big comeback against Mario Barrios in July.

Pacquiao, 46, fought for the first time in 4 years on July 19, and immediately challenged Barrios for the WBC welterweight world title. The veteran was held to a majority draw, with most followers believing he’d executed sufficient to win the fight.

Although Pacquiao’s next opponent is yet to be announced, he may face 29-year-old Rolly Romero in another world title fight. Romero beat Ryan Garcia earlier this 12 months during a fight card held in Times Square, however other high-profile names are under consideration.

Pacquiao announced his return on Tuesday in a video posted to social media. “Hello to all my boxing fans,” he said. “I’m excited to let you know I will be returning to the ring on January 24 in Las Vegas.

“It goes to be an thrilling and particular event. Stay tuned. More news to come back on my opponent in the next few days.”

As confirmed by Pacquiao’s advisor, Sean Gibbons, Romero is the frontrunner. He told ESPN: “We would have liked to fight again before the end of the 12 months, however the timing did not work out.

“We think 2026 will be a new year with new beginnings and hopefully a new opponent. I think the perfect time for Manny to make a statement to come back is January, and I think the perfect opponent is Rolly Romero.”

If a deal cannot be executed with Romero, then consideration may swap to 2 other stars. According to Ring Magazine, Gervonta Davis and Conor Benn are on Pacquiao’s shortlist.

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Davis will face Jake Paul in an exhibition fight on Nov. 14, and Benn will face Chris Eubank Jr. the following day. Many anticipated Pacquiao to battle on his return to the ring, however the boxing legend rolled again the years together with his comeback fight.

Pacquiao landed 101 of his 577 punches against Barrios, while his opponent landed 120 from 658. Pacquiao did land six more energy punches than Barrios, however the judges could not separate the two fighters and scored the contest a majority draw.

“I thought I won the fight,” Pacquiao said. “It was a close fight. My opponent was very tough. It was a wonderful fight.”

Pacquiao will likely be 47 when he next steps into the ring, however does not worry his youthful opponents and has even humbled Romero before fight negotiations happen. “Who would have ever thought that a Hall of Famer, a legend like Manny Pacquiao, would be asking for a fight with me?” Romero said of the curiosity.