Notebook: Pacquiao plots next fight vs. Romero, promoting events in U.S.
Matias' defense against Smith gets date, site; Opetaia mandatory versus Cinkara set; Braekhus saying farewell in title fight on Saturday; Hatton memorial plans; Quick hits; Show and tell double
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While the legendary Manny Pacquiao plots the second fight of his comeback from four years in retirement, he is also ramping up the promotional efforts of his Manny Pacquiao Promotions.
Pacquiao, whose world titles in eight divisions are a record, ended his retirement on July 19 — just a few weeks after his induction in to the International Boxing Hall of Fame — and fought to a disputed draw that many believe he clearly won against WBC welterweight titlist Mario Barrios in the main event of a PBC on Prime Video pay-per-view at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao said the comeback was not just for one fight and hoped to return in December. However, it will get pushed into early 2026 with plans in the works for Pacquiao to next box in January, likely a challenge to WBA welterweight titlist Rolando Romero, sources with knowledge of the discussions told Fight Freaks Unite.