REJUVENATED Manny Pacquiao is targeting to challenge aggressive and colorful American boxer Rolly Romero for his World Boxing Association welterweight crown in December, according to MP Promotions chief Sean Gibbons.
“No Barrios at this time. Manny is looking at Rolly Romero for the WBA title. Manny wants meaningful fights at 46 to make history,” Gibbons was quoted as saying by ring writer Phil Jay in a story posted on worlboxingnews.com yesterday (Monday in the US).
The popular Filipino boxing star has been lukewarm for a rematch with Barrios, who struggled in keeping his World Boxing Council welterweight strap through a lackluster majority draw last July 19 at MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas against a boxer coming off a four-year layoff.
Apparently aware that a second encounter would lack box office appeal, Pacquiao, currently ranked No. 1 in the WBC welterweight division, has decided to look for other options in his second comeback fight, and Gibbons said that Romero was an attractive alternative.
However, the veteran American promoter and chief negotiator for Pacman clarified that there is nothing currently in place, saying: “Romero is just one of the fights mentioned for Manny.”
At 29 and an orthodox fighter like Barrios, Romero has a record of 17 wins, 13 by knockout, against two losses, while Pacquiao has maintained his record of 62 wins (38 KOs), eight losses and three draws.
Besides youth, the WBA champ, who stands at 5-foot-8, likewise has a slight height edge over the 5-foot-6 Pacquiao.
In the meantime, the Pinoy ring icon is in the midst of organizing a world championship card scheduled for Oct. 29 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to celebrate the golden jubilee of the “Thrilla in Manila” featuring legendary heavyweights Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
Pacquiao paid a courtesy call on President Marcos in Malacanang last week. He said Marcos, who assured his support for the golden anniversary of the “Thrilla in Manila” that had the blessings and backing of his late father, President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
