INCHEON, South Korea — Manny Pacquiao’s quest for one more boxing document didn’t cease when he got here up brief in wresting the World Boxing Council welterweight title from Mario Barrios final Sunday (Manila time).
One other present beltholder has entered Pacquiao’s crosshairs — American Rolly Romero (17-2, with 13 knockouts), who owns the WBA model of the title.
“It’s an amazing combat,” Sean Gibbons, Pacquiao’s righthand man and president of MP Promotions.
Towards Barrios, Pacquiao was aiming to interrupt his personal document because the oldest welterweight champion, which he first set in 2019 when he bested Keith Thurman.
However a majority draw prevented the Filipino icon from making historical past as soon as extra.
It doesn’t finish there although, particularly with how Pacquiao seemed in opposition to Barrios of their 12-round bout on the MGM Grand Backyard Area. The Filipino legend confirmed flashes of his outdated kind in opposition to his a lot youthful foe, throwing combos and exhibiting off his footwork.
“Rolly Romero offers him one other alternative to make historical past, with a belt on the road,” Gibbons stated.
“And it’s the fitting type. Rolly is a rugged and difficult however very gradual on his toes,” he added.
Famous person Gervonta “Tank” Davis can also be being thought of for Pacquiao, who, in line with Gibbons, proved in opposition to Barrios that he can nonetheless compete on the elite degree.
“This (the Pacquiao who fought Barrios) is 75% of Manny Pacquiao at his peak, perhaps rather less. However that’s nonetheless higher than most guys which might be round in the present day,” Gibbons continued.
“For those who’re that nice, even diminished expertise are higher than what’s on the market in the present day.”
However as all the time, will probably be Pacquiao who will name the photographs.
“’Pag-uusapan pa (It would nonetheless be mentioned),” he stated when requested about his subsequent opponent.
