Manny Pacquiao is set to return to the ring after a comeback earlier this year, and he apparently has options as to who fills the opposite corner.
The Filipino fighting sensation came out of retirement in July to face WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario Barrios, fighting to a majority draw so therefore not winning the belt but justifying at least one more bout.
Speaking to Stories Untold, WBO Super Lightweight World Champion Teofimo Lopez has now announced that he is in the running.
“Yeah, absolutely. The next big fight that we’re speaking on… There’s two in particular, if one doesn’t go through there’s another one we’re speaking on. So, December 13th is possibly [against] Manny Pacquiao. The likes of him, that’d be great. And then Shakur Stevenson in January of 2026.”
Speaking on the possibility of facing a legend, Lopez said it would be ‘an honour.’
“It’s legendary, honestly. Just on my behalf, getting in the ring with him it’s a privilege and an honour. The Filipinos, they’re massive in the sport. They love boxing. Overall, being able to train with Manny for a little bit before he fought Mario Barrios for the world title, he’s a very humbling person. More than that, that guy is a real life Rocky Balboa. To face him, that’d be awesome.”
Despite this revelation, it is well known that Pacquiao is also in advanced talks with WBA Welterweight World Champion, Rolando Romero. The ‘Rolly’ fight is being targeted for January 24 in Las Vegas, and that date has been confirmed by the Hall of Famer himself.
