Pacquiao’s January Return Clouded as WBA Orders Romero to Face Giyasov

Overview

• Pacquiao announced a January 24 return in Las Vegas, with WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero previously identified as the frontrunner opponent.
• The WBA ordered Romero to defend against mandatory Shakhram Giyasov, granting a 30‑day window to reach a deal before purse bids at a 75–25 split to the champion.
• The mandate could delay or derail a Romero–Pacquiao matchup unless a step‑aside agreement is reached or the bout proceeds without the WBA title, which remains unresolved.
• Analyst Dan Rafael cautioned that Pacquiao’s fight date and opponent are not finalized despite social media announcements, with negotiations still in progress.
• The postponed Sebastian Fundora vs. Keith Thurman title fight is being explored for late January as a co‑headliner on Pacquiao’s card, according to multiple reports.