Pacquiao–Romero WBA Title Fight Talks Collapse

Overview

• Reporter Mike Coppinger told Ring Magazine that negotiations for an early-2026 Pacquiao title shot against Rolly Romero have fallen through.
• Romero now appears headed toward a WBA-ordered mandatory defense against Shakhram Giyasov unless the sanctioning body grants an exemption.
• Pacquiao is exploring a rematch with Floyd Mayweather, though Mayweather has a signed 2026 exhibition with Mike Tyson that Tyson has said could take place in Africa in March.
• Pacquiao had targeted Romero to try to regain the WBA welterweight belt and surpass the age record he set by dethroning Keith Thurman at 40 in 2019.
• Official announcements from the fighters have not been issued, and Pacquiao adviser Sean Gibbons says other big-name options include Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney.