The Rumor Mill: Pacquiao involved in mega-doubleheader in January?
On July 19th boxing fans were able to witness Manny Pacquiao step in the ring for the first time in over four years as he fought Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title in Las Vegas. Many were surprised to see Pacquiao have the performance that he put out against the much younger foe, and despite the result being a draw some felt that he could have scored the win. If he did that, he would have broken his own record of being the oldest welterweight champion.
In the months after the bout between Pacquiao and Barrios, there has been a buzz that Pacquiao could be back in the ring once again and that it could be another attempt at a world title. Given that he has already faced Barrios for the WBC belt, the IBF title was won by Lewis Crocker a few weeks ago, and Brian Norman Jr. will defend the WBO title against Devin Haney in November, that leaves Rolando “Rolly” Romero with the WBA title. A bout between Pacquiao and Romero has been rumored to be taking place for some time, but could it be closer to reality?
Photo by Esther Lin of Premier Boxing Champions
There are signs that the bout between the 2025 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee and the 29-year-old champion could come to fruition…but when and where would it take place? As far as the date is concerned, it potentially could be in January, but the location may not be what many expect. Instead of the fight being held in Vegas, it would be held in Saudi Arabia.
Pacquiao is known to have his fights at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, with all but two of his previous seven fights in the city at that venue. However, given the possibility of a big double main event that would also involve another highly popular fighter on the table, the group that wants to host the card feels that they need to have it in Saudi Arabia. The second fight that is rumored to be on the card involves another world champion, and that is Mario Barrios. He will have another defense of the WBC welterweight title. Who could it be against? Could it be a fighter that “Rolly” has faced?
Photo by Cris Esqueda of Golden Boy Promotions
Stay tuned…
Cover photo by Esther Lin of Premier Boxing Champions
NOTE – The Rumor Mill is part of The Boxing Source website where rumors about potential fights or updates on confirmed fights will be posted. There may be details on these fights or it may just be early news about fights that could be made.
