Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has confirmed he is in the ‘final stages of negotiations’ for the world title challenge, just as World Boxing News was first to report, for a sensational world title challenge against WBA Welterweight Champion Rolly Romero. His team told WBN the singular goal and the audacious reason for this move: to break his own historic record at 47 years old.
The eight-division champion, who turns 47 this December, confirmed the groundbreaking news during the Thrill in Manila 50th Anniversary press conference in Quezon City. He is not just aiming for a comeback; he is aiming for a definitive, championship-level statement.
WBN understands, though, that Pacquiao may be a few days shy of 47 when the clash actually occurs.
The pursuit of Romero is a calculated risk, a direct path back to championship glory after Pacquiao’s controversial return bout in July.
Pacquiao Confirms Talks: ‘Negotiating and Finalizing’
When pressed on the widely rumored clash with the outspoken and unpredictable WBA titleholder, Rolly Romero, the Filipino icon’s response was unambiguous, confirming the news that WBN was first to report.
“We are negotiating and finalizing,” Pacquiao quipped, signaling that the biggest obstacle remaining is signing the final paperwork for a massive Las Vegas showdown.
A victory would cement a unique place in boxing history, surpassing the current record he set as the oldest welterweight world champion when he defeated Keith Thurman at age 40. His promotional team has clearly justified the audacious move to target a reigning, aggressive champion.
The Clear Goal: History and the ‘Suspect Decision’
Pacquiao’s longtime advisor and MP Promotions CEO, Sean Gibbons, provided WBN with the definitive rationale behind the decision, confirming that the controversial draw in his last bout only intensified the pursuit of championship status.
“The goal is still the same,” Gibbons told WBN on Saturday, referencing the fight. “When Manny decided to come back, he was looking for meaningful fights. He was granted the right—respectfully and correctly—by the WBC to challenge for a world title.
“Unfortunately, he came up on the wrong end of a suspect decision [against Mario Barrios]. But the goal remains: to break his own record, to make history, to win a welterweight title. He wants to be the oldest person to do it at 47 years old.”
The stinging loss of a potential historic victory against Barrios due to what the team views as a “suspect decision” has clearly refocused the entire promotional machine on securing a title belt by year’s end.
Why Rolly Romero is the ‘Target’ for the WBA Title
The selection of Rolly Romero is not accidental. While the media floated other big names, Romero’s grasp on the WBA belt made him the standout candidate, as well as the fact that he possesses a fan-friendly style that guarantees an explosive, marketable contest—a key factor following Barrios’ defensive performance.
Gibbons was clear on the target: “Rolly Romero has the WBA belt.”
Romero is a dangerous puncher who defeated Ryan Garcia and is known for his rugged, come-forward approach. This collision of styles ensures that when Pacquiao attempts to make history, he will do so against a champion who poses no risk of running, delivering the type of definitive war that fans and the pay-per-view market demand.
The Audacity of Age: Breaking the Record
For Pacquiao, this is the final, definitive statement. The performance against Barrios proved his fire remains; the pursuit of Romero and the WBA title confirms that his sole focus is on rewriting the record books. The eight-division legend, at almost age 47, is set to make history once more.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.