Filipino great Manny Pacquiao has been dealt a blow ahead of his return to the ring in the new year.
The 47-year-old made a sensational comeback to boxing back in July when he fought to a majority decision draw against reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
Pacquiao put on an outstanding display against the younger champion in Las Vegas but ultimately fell short in his attempt at becoming the oldest welterweight champion ever, a record that he actually broke back in 2019.
It has been speculated in recent weeks that ‘PacMan’ was the frontrunner to lock horns with WBA welterweight champion Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero next, although these plans have now been dealt with a major blow.
Instead, Romero looks set to make the maiden defence of his WBA title against mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov next.
Speaking to The Ring Magazine, Giyasov’s manager Vadim Kornilov revealed that there had been a exception request submitted earlier this week for Barrios to face ‘PacMan’ next, but it appears that this is expected to be rejected, paving the way for Giyasov to get his shot at ‘Rolly’.
“I don’t think an exception works when … there’s no fight and it’s not announced. If [the Romero-Pacquiao fight] was happening, that’s one thing; we have a lot respect for a fight like that and for Pacquiao especially.
“But when there is no fight, I believe that rules have to be followed and Rolly has to fight Giyasov. I never understand why some fighters get exceptions and don’t have to fight their mandatories.”
Pacquiao could now turn his attention to a potential rematch with former rival Floyd Mayweather, after it was revealed that the legendary duo were interested in facing each other for a second time in 2026.
