Manny Pacquiao, a renowned name in boxing, has seen various reports about his return to the ring. These reports discuss possible exhibition matches and attempts to secure world title fights. The boxer, who retired from professional competition in August 2021, has since taken part in exhibition bouts. However, questions remain about his next confirmed event and opponent for a professional return.
Pacquiao's team and other figures in boxing have given different details about his plans. This creates uncertainty about when and against whom he will truly fight next. Fans watch closely to see if Pacquiao, at 45, can again compete for a world title or if he will focus on exhibition events. His goal to end his career with a WBC welterweight title win adds more interest to his future steps.
Conflicting Details of Comeback Plans
Manny Pacquiao formally ended his professional boxing career in August 2021. Since then, various reports have shared different ideas for his return to the ring. These ideas include exhibition matches and talks about big title fights.
Exhibition Against Chihiro Suzuki: In June 2024, it was reported that Pacquiao would face Rizin Fighting Federation featherweight champion Chihiro Suzuki in an exhibition bout. This match was planned for July 28 in Saitama, Japan. The bout would be three rounds at 150 pounds, designed to keep Pacquiao sharp. (Article 3)
Proposed Mario Barrios Title Fight: In May 2025, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman stated that Pacquiao would return to fight Mario Barrios Jnr for the WBC welterweight title in July. (Article 5) Other reports also mention Pacquiao targeting Barrios for a world title challenge. (Article 2, 3)
Targeting Rolly Romero: In October 2025, Pacquiao announced a return for January 24 in Las Vegas, targeting a fight with WBA champion Rolly Romero for the 147-pound world title. (Article 2) His advisor, Sean Gibbons, later confirmed in December 2025 that Pacquiao still aimed for Romero's belt, despite delays. An earlier target date for December 6 was also mentioned but was taken by other fighters. (Article 4)
Exhibition with Ruslan Provodnikov: More recently, an exhibition fight against Ruslan Provodnikov on April 18 in Las Vegas was noted. (Article 1)
Recent Exhibition: Pacquiao's last known ring appearance was a draw against kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in a three-round exhibition. (Article 5)
These various announcements suggest ongoing efforts to plan Pacquiao's next moves, but no single, consistent path has been clearly shown across all reports.
Evidence of Proposed Bouts
Reports provide details on potential fights and future aims for Manny Pacquiao.
"Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao's return is CONFIRMED… with exhibition bout announced ahead of potential world title fight versus Mario Barrios… The 45-year-old will first take on Rizin Fighting Federation featherweight champion Chihiro Suzuki (pictured) in an exhibition bout Pacquiao will take on Rizin Fighting Federation featherweight champion Chihiro Suzuki on July 28 in Saitama, Japan, at 150lbs. The bout will be held over three three-minute rounds in order to help Pacquiao stay sharp, with the fight given exhibition status." (Article 3)
"Manny Pacquiao has announced he will return to the ring again on January 24 in Las Vegas. More news to come on my opponent in the next few days.” Pacquiao, who turns 47 in December, is targeting another 147lb world title shot, this time against 29-year-old WBA champ Rolly Romero." (Article 2)
"WBC President Mauricio Sulamain spilled a stunning piece of information regarding Pacquiao's return: He's coming back and will face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title." (Article 5)
"Manny Pacquiao's advisor, Sean Gibbons, has confirmed that Pacquiao still has his sights firmly set on Romero's WBA welterweight belt." (Article 4)
| Proposed Event | Opponent | Type of Fight | Date Announced | Location | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chihiro Suzuki | Chihiro Suzuki | Exhibition | June 2024 | Saitama, Japan | Article 3 |
| Mario Barrios Jnr | Mario Barrios Jnr | World Title | May 2025 | (Not stated) | Article 5 |
| Rolly Romero | Rolly Romero | World Title | Oct 2025 | Las Vegas | Article 2 |
| Ruslan Provodnikov | Ruslan Provodnikov | Exhibition | (Recent) | Las Vegas | Article 1 |
| Rukiya Anpo | Rukiya Anpo | Exhibition (Past) | (Prior to May 2025) | (Not stated) | Article 5 |
Deep Dives
Varying Fight Plans and Timing
The path for Manny Pacquiao's comeback seems unclear, with different opponents and dates reported. Was the April 18 exhibition against Ruslan Provodnikov in Las Vegas a confirmed event, as mentioned in one report? (Article 1) How does this fit with the previously announced July 28 exhibition in Japan against Chihiro Suzuki? (Article 3) Furthermore, the aim for a world title fight against Mario Barrios Jnr in July (Article 5) and against Rolly Romero in January 2025 (Article 2) show different long-term goals. These varying reports lead to questions about which events are truly planned or just talked about.
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Exhibitions as a Bridge to Titles
Pacquiao has taken part in exhibition fights since his professional retirement in 2021. For example, he fought Rukiya Anpo in a three-round exhibition. (Article 5) The planned Chihiro Suzuki exhibition was also noted as a way to keep him "sharp" before a potential world title match. (Article 3) Does this mean exhibitions are a strategy to prepare for a major professional comeback? Or do they represent a different phase of his boxing career, separate from seeking another world title? The clear goals stated by Pacquiao and his team to win another world title (Article 3) suggest exhibitions are stepping stones, but this link is not always made clear.
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Age and Performance
At 45, Manny Pacquiao is older than many top fighters. He would be the second-oldest boxing world champion if he won a title. (Article 4) Concerns about his condition and form at this age have been raised. (Article 5) Despite this, reports suggest he remains a high-level fighter. (Article 1) How does his current performance in exhibition matches or training weigh against the physical demands of a championship fight against younger opponents like Mario Barrios Jnr (16 years younger) or Rolly Romero? The impact of his age on a potential professional comeback remains a key question.
Expert Analysis
Sean Gibbons, Manny Pacquiao's advisor, has been open about the ongoing goal to secure a fight with Rolly Romero.
"Despite the delays, his advisor, Sean Gibbons, has confirmed that Pacquiao still has his sights firmly set on Romero's WBA welterweight belt." (Article 4)
Mauricio Sulaiman, President of the WBC, also gave information about Pacquiao's return plans.
"WBC President Mauricio Sulamain spilled a stunning piece of information regarding Pacquiao's return: He's coming back and will face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title." (Article 5)
These statements show direct interest from those involved in boxing leadership and Pacquiao's team. They confirm the discussions and intentions for major fights, even with different details emerging at different times.
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Conclusion
Reports show Manny Pacquiao aims to return to boxing after retiring from professional fights in August 2021. This return involves a mix of planned exhibition bouts and ambitious goals for world title matches. He has taken part in exhibitions, including one with Rukiya Anpo, and a fight against Chihiro Suzuki was planned for July 28 in Japan.
For professional boxing, various opponents and dates have been mentioned. Pacquiao has targeted WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios Jnr for a fight in July, according to the WBC President. His advisor also confirms his aim to fight WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero. An exhibition against Ruslan Provodnikov on April 18 was also reported.
The repeated mention of different dates and opponents highlights that official confirmation for a specific, upcoming professional fight remains unclear. While his team expresses strong desire for a world title, the path forward appears to involve many possible scenarios. The boxer's age brings questions about his ability to perform at a championship level, but those close to him suggest he remains a top fighter.
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Pacquiao's future plans show a strong desire to compete again. However, the exact timing and opponent for his next match, especially a world title challenge, still await a firm announcement.
Sources
Article 1: Manny Pacquiao-Ruslan Provodnikov exhibition pegged for April 18 in Las Vegas
Context: Discusses a proposed exhibition fight for Pacquiao against Ruslan Provodnikov and mentions his last fight being a draw with Mario Barrios Jnr.
Article 2: Pacquiao announces next fight with three names in line including champ and Brit
Context: Reports Pacquiao's plan to return on January 24 in Las Vegas, targeting WBA champ Rolly Romero. Also notes his earlier challenge for Mario Barrios' title.
Link: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/36942512/manny-pacquiao-next-fight/
Article 3: Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao's return is CONFIRMED
Context: Confirms Pacquiao's return with an exhibition bout against Chihiro Suzuki in Japan on July 28, ahead of a potential world title fight against Mario Barrios. States he retired professionally in August 2021.
Article 4: Pacquiao's comeback date pushed back again in new update on world title clash
Context: Discusses delays in Pacquiao's comeback and his advisor Sean Gibbons confirming his continued aim for Rolly Romero's WBA welterweight belt.
Link: https://talksport.com/boxing/3803061/manny-pacquiao-rolly-romero-comeback-update-world-title-clash/
Article 5: Manny Pacquiao is officially back: Opponent, date and venue for return fight
Context: Features WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman stating Pacquiao will fight Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title in July. Also mentions his draw against kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in an exhibition.
Link: https://www.marca.com/en/boxing/2025/05/03/68159d8de2704ebd728b4581.html
