Manny Pacquiao, the only boxer to ever hold major world championships across four separate decades, is eyeing a potential return to the professional ranks in search of a fifth. Marco Antonio Barrera, the Mexican great who faced Pacquiao twice in their prime, recently expressed his belief that his former rival still possesses the drive to compete for world honors at 47 years old.
The Filipino legend officially retired in 2021 following a loss to Yordenis Ugas, but his recent activities suggest the door isn’t closed. While Pacquiao has kept busy with exhibition bouts, including trips to South Korea and Japan, his advisor Sean Gibbons has indicated that a serious professional comeback could be on the cards for the summer of 2026.
Pacquiao’s legacy remains unmatched in terms of divisional success. He currently holds six Guinness World Records, notably for winning world titles in eight different weight classes. However, a recent social media post by the veteran hinted at a lingering ambition, as he questioned if those eight divisions were truly enough.
Marco Antonio Barrera on Pacquiao potential
Despite the heavy toll of a 73-fight professional career, Marco Antonio Barrera remains one of Pacquiao’s most vocal supporters. Speaking to Boxing King Media, Barrera noted that Pacquiao “wants to fight for the title at 47 years old.” The Mexican icon, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame alongside his former foe, suggested that “we can do it” regarding the challenge of facing modern champions.
Barrera has long held his former opponent in high regard, previously naming him the “greatest boxer of all time.” He cited Pacquiao’s history of facing elite opposition like Miguel Cotto and Oscar De La Hoya as proof of his unique standing in the sport’s history. This respect isn’t new; Roberto Duran has also identified the most astute fighters he encountered, highlighting how legends often recognize the specific genius in their peers.
While Barrera did not specify a single current champion that Pacquiao should target for a record-breaking ninth-division title, he did mention WBA welterweight champion Rolando Romero as a fighter Pacquiao could potentially dethrone. Pacquiao and Romero were reportedly in talks earlier in 2026, though a deal never materialized.
Barriers to the Rolando Romero title fight
A potential clash with Rolando Romero faces significant logistical and financial hurdles. Romero has claimed that negotiations fell through previously because Pacquiao’s side requested too much money. Currently, the WBA titleholder has other obligations, as he has been ordered to defend his belt against Jack Catterall, a top contender from Chorley.
Recent reports indicate that Romero may opt for a lower-risk contest in August 2026 before he turns his attention toward the mandatory challenge from the Briton. This timeline leaves the window for a Pacquiao fight narrow, likely pushing any potential professional meeting into 2027 if the WBA belt remains around Romero’s waist.
The 147-pound landscape is further complicated by other top-tier talent. Fighters like Shakur Stevenson have dismissed immediate moves to welterweight, though the division remains a focal point for aging stars looking for one last major payday or a historic title win.
Preparations for an active 2026 schedule
Before any move toward a professional world title can be finalized, Pacquiao is focused on staying sharp through the exhibition circuit. He is scheduled to face Ruslan Provodnikov in a 10-round welterweight exhibition match on April 18, 2026. The bout will take place at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This exhibition against Provodnikov will not count toward Pacquiao’s official professional record of 62-8-2. However, it serves as a critical barometer for his physical condition. Pacquiao previously returned to the ring in July 2025 to face WBC champion Mario Barrios in a fight that ended in a draw, despite many observers feeling Pacquiao had done enough to win.
Chasing a fifth decade of dominance
Pacquiao already holds the record as the oldest welterweight boxing world champion, a feat he achieved at age 40 when he defeated Keith Thurman in 2019. If he were to secure a belt in 2026 or 2027, he would extend his own record and cement his status as a champion across five decades — 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, 2020s, and 2030s.
While some fans worry about the risks associated with fighting at 47, Pacquiao’s team seems determined to find the right opening. Beyond the welterweight champions, rumors of a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. persist, with potential dates in late 2026 being discussed for the Las Vegas Sphere. However, Mayweather has voiced a preference for an exhibition format, whereas Pacquiao remains hungry for a ninth-division title or a professional victory to rectify what he calls his biggest career regret.
