Manny Pacquiao showed interest today in a title fight against WBA swelling champion Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero Next. Pacquiao, 46, responded to an exclamation of Romero (17-2, 13 COs), which indicated he was open to the fight.
“Let’s see if he can hit me,” have manny pacquiao to the media When he said that the WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero wants a ‘Hall of Famer’ on his record.
The “grandfather” nickname impact
The response of fans to a possible battle between Pacquiao and the WBA champion, Rolly Romero (17-2, 13 COs), was mostly dismissive. Some people say they don’t want to see “Grandfather” Fight for another world title after not beating the poor WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios. It’s like how many consecutive titles get pacquiao world title shots?
Is it going to be repeated until he finally wins one? What then? Is the 48-year-old Floyd Mayweather Jr. Dragged out of pension to fight Manny for a world title belt? The picture it would present to the world would be ridiculous, making boxing more like a non-sports, a circus and a complete joke.
The Pacquiao-Romero battle has yet to be negotiated, and it is unclear whether it will happen. Pacquiao’s adviser, Sean Gibbons, mentions that he wants Rolly of Gervonta Davis for Manny’s next battle to his 12-round draw against the WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios on July 19. Gibbons wants someone who “Move the needle” in terms of attracting interest and introducing PPV purchases.
Pacquiao’s PPV trek faded
Pacquiao no longer generates massive PPV purchases by fighting someone. He now needs fighters who are popular enough that he can drive on their coat to attract the younger fans, who are not interested in paying to look at an older fighter like him.
In the distant past, Pacquiao could bring in any fighter to generate purchases. Those days are gone. He is not the superstar for the younger generation. He is considered the news of yesterday.
Examples of Pacquiao’s PPV success against fewer names:
- Chris Algieri: 400,000 Buy
- Joshua Clottey: 700,000
- Brandon Rios: 475,000
- Jessie Vargas: 300,000
Last updated on 07/24/2025
