After stunning the boxing world by returning from a four-year hiatus and pushing a much younger world champion to the limit this past July, it’s no surprise that Manny Pacquiao is already eyeing an encore.
The sport’s only eight-division world champion is reportedly planning another ring appearance this December, with three names currently in the mix for the honor of sharing the squared circle with him.
Here’s a breakdown of the stakes, styles, and potential rewards awaiting the 46-year-old southpaw from General Santos City if he faces any of these pugilists.
Mario Barrios
Mario Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs) tops the list, and for good reason. Many observers believe Pacquiao should have left their recent encounter at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the new WBC welterweight champion.
Barrios, younger and in his prime, entered as the defending titleholder. Yet for much of the 12-round bout, he fought cautiously, relying heavily on his jab as Pacquiao rolled back the years with trademark aggression and volume punching.
Most felt Pacquiao had done enough to win, but the judges saw it differently, allowing Barrios to keep his green-laced belt via a disputed majority draw.
Recently, the WBC has elevated Pacquiao to its No. 1 welterweight contender, adding fuel to calls for a rematch. Still, at his age, there’s no certainty he can recreate that same performance. But if he can — and Barrios fails to adjust — “Pac-Man” could be on the brink of another historic feat: becoming the first boxer to win a world title after being inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Gervonta Davis
Pacquiao’s clash with Barrios didn’t generate overwhelming fanfare beforehand as skeptics doubted his intentions and chances after such a long layoff. Now, with the recaptured attention, a date with Gervonta “Tank” Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) could push his comeback story into overdrive.
Davis, a three-division world champion and one of the sport’s most explosive finishers, is as famous for his power as he is for his swagger. A southpaw like Pacquiao, he boasts an intimidating knockout ratio and the kind of star power that appeals to a younger audience.
The Baltimore native, long billed as Floyd Mayweather’s protégé, has also been shadowed by legal troubles, including recent domestic violence charges. While a Pacquiao-Davis showdown would spark major intrigue, the reigning WBA lightweight titleholder’s availability for a December fight remains uncertain.
Rolly Romero
If reclaiming a world title at 147 pounds is Pacquiao’s objective, Rolly Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) — the current WBA welterweight champion — could be an appealing option.
Romero’s style, built on a wide stance, heavy power shots, and looping punches, offers potential openings for a speedster like Pacquiao. He often plants his feet and throws with knockout intentions, but can leave himself exposed, overreach, and lose balance. His tendency to move in straight lines without effectively cutting the ring could play right into Pacquiao’s hands.
However, there is a roadblock. Pacquiao isn’t ranked by the WBA. Unless the sanctioning body follows the WBC’s lead — which installed him at No. 5 before the Barrios bout and now has him at No. 1 — the matchup would require some creative maneuvering.
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