Manny Pacquiao has been presented with a potential world title opportunity against IBF welterweight champion Liam Paro following the postponement of his long-awaited rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
The 47-year-old Filipino icon is reportedly in search of a new opponent for later this year after Mayweather became entangled in a $4.65 million lawsuit filed by CSI Sports Events.
Manny Pacquiao targets Australian return amid Mayweather legal delay
George Rose, head of No Limit Boxing, confirmed his interest in bringing the eight-division champion back to Queensland, Australia, for a defense of Paro’s newly acquired strap.
The Australian southpaw, 30, achieved two-weight champion status last week by defeating Lewis Crocker via unanimous decision to claim the IBF welterweight title. While Pacquiao had been eyeing a professional rematch with Mayweather this September, the legal proceedings against the American have left those plans in limbo, possibly until 2027.
Jas Mathur, CEO of MP Promotions, has indicated that Pacquiao remains active in the welterweight division and is ready to explore fresh options to secure a championship before the year concludes.
The pursuit of a world title fight follows a significant shift in the 147-pound landscape. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is currently navigating a breach of contract lawsuit, which has reportedly forced the postponement of two scheduled fights this year.
Pacquiao recently told media that while he hopes Mayweather “will fix his problems,” he is finalized to return to the ring in 2027 if the rematch cannot be salvaged sooner. However, the immediate opening has allowed Australian promoters to pitch a historic homecoming to the Gold Coast.
Liam Paro is the primary target for this expedition. The Queensland native is 17 years younger than Pacquiao and recently proved his elite standing with the win over Crocker. George Rose emphasized at a post-fight press conference that the welterweight and junior middleweight divisions are the most vibrant in the sport.
Paro’s promoter eyes big names for title defense
George Rose, promoter for Liam Paro, has made it clear he’s looking for major fights for his newly crowned IBF welterweight champion. He openly stated his desire to bring high-profile names to Australia.
Rose mentioned fighters like Devin Haney or Ryan Garcia as potential opponents, but specifically highlighted Manny Pacquiao as “still floating around in the welterweight division wanting to fight.” This suggests a clear intention to target the boxing legend.
Queensland holds specific memories for the “Pac Man.” He last visited the region in 2017 for a WBO welterweight title defense against Jeff Horn, an event that remains a major touchstone for Australian boxing.
While boxing match delays are common when dealing with major promotional hurdles, the direct interest from both No Limit Boxing and the Pacquiao camp suggests this negotiation could move faster than traditional superfights.
Pacquiao’s potential record-breaking endeavor
A victory against Liam Paro would allow Pacquiao to break his own record as the oldest welterweight world champion in history. He previously set this benchmark in July 2019, when he defeated Keith Thurman at 40 years, 215 days old to claim the WBA (Super) welterweight title.
Now, at 47 years old, securing the IBF welterweight title would further cement his remarkable legacy. This pursuit highlights his unwavering ambition in the sport, even after a storied career that spans four decades.
Facing Liam Paro would not be a ceremonial victory lap. Paro stands 5′ 8.5″ with a 71-inch reach and operates from a southpaw stance, which can complicate the rhythm for any opponent. His professional record of 28-1 with 16 knockouts shows a fighter hitting his physical prime.
To win, Pacquiao would need to overcome the 17-year age gap and the Australian’s disciplined boxing style that neutralized Lewis Crocker last week.
Recent ring activity and the comeback trail
Pacquiao’s conditioning remains his greatest asset. He showed this when, at age 46, he managed to outwork many of the younger Mario Barrios’ statistical advantages in power shots during their July 19, 2025, fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
That bout, which ended in a majority draw (115-113, 114-114, 114-114), saw Barrios retain his WBC welterweight title. Pacquiao, in his second comeback fight after his initial retirement, received a guaranteed $12,000,000 purse for that effort.
If the Paro fight is finalized for later this year, it would mark Pacquiao’s second professional bout since his initial retirement in 2021. This level of activity is rare for legends of his era, but Pacquiao has insisted he stays disciplined to ensure he can still perform under world-title pressure.
Before his fight against Barrios, Pacquiao made his return from retirement on May 21, 2025, following an unsuccessful run in the Philippine Senate election. His professional career record currently stands at 62 wins, 8 losses, and 3 draws, marking him as the only boxer in history to win twelve world titles in eight different weight divisions.
Other potential opponents for Pacquiao
While Liam Paro appears to be the most immediate target, Pacquiao’s camp has been exploring other options in the welterweight and junior middleweight divisions. A rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. remains a distant possibility, complicated by Mayweather’s ongoing legal battles.
Mayweather was originally scheduled to face Pacquiao this September, 11 years after their first encounter. However, a $4.65 million breach of contract lawsuit brought by CSI Sports Events against Mayweather caused the postponement. Pacquiao has expressed hope that the rematch, potentially a professional fight despite earlier exhibition claims, could still materialize in 2027.
Beyond Mayweather, other names have surfaced. Gervonta “Tank” Davis, a three-time, two-division world champion with a 30-0-1 record and 28 knockouts, is reportedly on Pacquiao’s radar. Pacquiao has publicly stated his willingness to fight Davis at a catchweight of 145 lbs.
Trainer Robert Garcia has suggested a catchweight of 143 or 144 lbs might favor Davis in such a matchup. However, Davis is currently set to face Lamont Roach in a rematch.
Another potential opponent generating interest is Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, a former world champion known for his aggressive style. A fight with Cruz would present a clash of generations and styles, intriguing many boxing enthusiasts. However, Pacquiao’s political commitments and promotional complexities remain obstacles for this exciting bout.
A legacy defining moment in Queensland
The commercial potential of a Pacquiao return to Australia is immense. The 2017 Horn fight drew over 51,000 fans, and a clash with a reigning champion like Paro would likely see a similar appetite.
That fight highlighted Pacquiao’s enduring appeal in the region. Should he challenge Paro for the IBF title, it would be another high-stakes event, with the added intrigue of Pacquiao attempting to secure a title he has never held.
While the sport waits for the legal dust to settle on the Mayweather situation, the prospect of an eight-division champion seeking a thirteenth world title provides the late 2026 calendar with a compelling narrative. Unlike the comeback of Andy Ruiz Jr., which focuses on rebuilding ranking, Pacquiao is exclusively interested in championship-level stakes.
The coming weeks will likely reveal if Jas Mathur and George Rose can reach a financial agreement. Pacquiao’s purse for the Barrios fight was a guaranteed $12,000,000, a figure that serves as a benchmark for any upcoming professional engagement.
If the deal closes, Pacquiao will once again step into the ring not as an exhibition attraction, but as a legitimate contender looking to prove that age is secondary to the skill of a legend. His enduring drive for top-tier competition continues to capture the imagination of the boxing world, even as he approaches his late 40s.
The enduring appeal of Manny Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao’s longevity and continued pursuit of championships are testaments to his unique place in boxing history. He has consistently defied expectations, engaging in high-stakes bouts well beyond what most fighters achieve.
His ability to draw massive crowds and pay-per-view numbers underscores his global appeal. This makes him a valuable target for any promoter looking to elevate a fighter or major event. For Liam Paro, a fight against Pacquiao would be career-defining.
Pacquiao’s impact transcends boxing, given his political career in the Philippines. This multifaceted public life, combined with his fighting prowess, has cultivated a global fanbase that few athletes can match. The possibility of him breaking his own age record for a welterweight championship is a compelling narrative that adds another layer of intrigue to his comeback.
