FANS REACT AS PACQUIAO RETURNS TO TRAINING – ‘P4P GREAT’

Credit: Henry Bedoy/MP Productions https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a28423916/manny-pacquiao-training-after-40-thurman-fight/

Manny Pacquiao is back in training, but there has been no agreement reached with Floyd Mayweather over a rematch, as fans reacted to his workout footage.

Reports indicate that Manny is trying to finalize a rematch with Mayweather, who is currently retired, to avenge his 2015 loss. Manny came out of a 4-year retirement in July at 46 to secure a majority draw against WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios. Manny has said his next fight will be on January 24, or an April 2026 date for the IBA Pro World Title. Rolando Romero, the WBA Welterweight Champion, was mentioned as an opponent. However, Romero has been ordered to face his WBA mandatory Shakhram Giyasov. 

Pacquiao’s Future

“Manny Pacquiao is widely beloved around the globe, he is a true boxing legend who wants to leave legacy beyond the ring. His life story mirrors the spirit of IBA’s mission: giving every young boxer a fair chance to have achieve their dreams. We have been helping children as an organization, while Manny has been doing it all alone. Now, we will continue to help our children together as a united IBA boxing family and extend Manny’s programs beyond the borders,” Umar Kremlev (IBA President)

“Under the visionary leadership of President Umar Kremlev, the IBA has entered a Golden Era — an era where every boxer, from every country, can dream, fight, and succeed on equal terms. I am proud to join this mission — to make sure no young boxer is left behind, no champion is forgotten, and no nation is excluded. As Vice President, I will dedicate myself to building bridges — between amateurs and professionals, between East and West, between generations and cultures. I believe boxing can unite people in ways that politics never can. It can change lives, transform communities, and bring peace where there is division,” Pacquiao stated.

Things have also been complicated by Manny’s appointment as Vice President of the International Boxing Association (IBA). While Manny wants the Mayweather rematch, Floyd has said there is no news if ‘people don’t hear it from him.’ Regardless, Manny has been staying in shape. The following clip shows Manny hitting the punch bag with rapper BlueFace being one of the observers. 

PACQUIAO RETURNS TO RING JANUARY 24 WITH WBA CHAMPION ROMERO IN SIGHT

Learning from his July comeback fight that ended in a draw, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao plans to have a longer training camp for his next bout

PUNCH. Manny Pacquiao fights Mario Barrios at MGM Grand Garden Arena.

STEPHEN R. SYLVANIE/IMAGN IMAGES/REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao is returning to the ring on January 24, 2026, in the United States.

Boxing’s lone eight-division world champion announced his second comeback bout in Las Vegas on social media on Tuesday, October 7 (Wednesday, October 8, Philippine time).

Although Pacquiao, already inducted into the sports Hall of Fame, did not mention his opponent, Rolando Romero looms large.

The video announcement was posted by Indistry Media, a global streaming network and entertainment agency. 

Pacquiao, who’ll be 47 years old on fight night, wants another crown, and Romero’s World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight belt is a logical target.

A few hours after Pacquiao’s announcement made the rounds, Ring Magazine posted a video of Romero throwing combinations to an imagined foe in the streets of London.

Viva Promotions then posted a photo of Pacquiao showing off his still well-chiseled physique.

“Hello to all my boxing fans. I’m excited to let you know that I will be returning to the ring January 24 in Las Vegas,” Pacquiao said in the video. “It is going to be an exciting and special event. Stay tuned. More news to come on my opponent in the next few days.”

After virtually four years of inactivity, Pacquiao sought Mario Barrios’ World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title last July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Despite only six months of intense training, Pacquiao did so well that sports pundits thought that he won. Barrios pulled off a majority draw.

Learning from that experience, Pacquiao said he would have a longer training camp, at least eight weeks, for his next bout.

Pacquiao is expected to return to the United States in November as Manny Pacquiao Promotions is making its initial foray in California on November 29, 2025, with his son, Jimuel, making his professional debut.

- ROY LUARCA