Manny Pacquiao’s boxing comeback has been paused for a short while after his fight against Floyd Mayweather was postponed at the end of June. The two former champions had been scheduled for a return to the ring in September this year, which would have been a sequel to their thrilling contest in 2015.
However, a series of legal battles involving Mayweather derailed the fight. He has been sued by CSI Promotions over breach of contract for his upcoming fights against Mike Tyson and Pacquiao, and they allege he took substantial advance payments before abandoning the deal. Consequently, it is unlikely that Mayweather will be able to compete in 2026, as he looks to resolve his outstanding legal troubles.
Nevertheless, there remains a great deal of interest in a second fight with Pacquiao. Should it be rescheduled, that would likely prompt a huge amount of activity on sports betting markets, as people place wagers on the contest using one of the best sportsbooks recommended by VegasInsider.
But that then begs a different question for Pacquiao – what does he do between now and then? Here are three options that might be on the table for the four-time welterweight champion.
Liam Paro
If Pacquiao’s fight against Mario Barrios in 2025 was a sign of anything, it’s that he is intent on chasing more gold in the sport. And one potential avenue for him to do so would be to agree a deal to fight new IBF welterweight champion Liam Paro.
Formerly the IBF light-welterweight champion, he recently dethroned Lewis Crocker in June to become the first Australian boxer since Jeff Fenech to hold belts at multiple weights. With one eye on the future, his promoter, George Rose, has said that he is open to starting negotiations for a potential match against Pacquiao.
Pac-Man has fought in Australia once before in 2017, where he was beaten by Jeff Horn on points. Returning to the country and getting a win could provide additional motivation for him, should both parties come to an agreement on numbers.
Rolly Romero
An alternative path to gold for Pacquiao would be against WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero, who has held the belt since August 2025. However, that would rely on both teams returning to the negotiation table.
A potential contest between Romero and Pacquiao had been discussed for early 2026, but those talks collapsed after months at the negotiating table. The reigning champion would later go on the record to criticise the veteran, stating that his demands are what priced him out of a fight.
Time does heal old wounds, though, and if Pacquiao’s team are still keen for him to fight before the end of 2026, that might open avenues for negotiations to resume. There is the small obstacle of Romero’s next fight, which looks set to be against Teofimo Lopez, so any talks will only take place after that.
Wait for Mayweather contest
Of course, there is one option for Pacquiao which does not jeopardise any potential fight against Mayweather – wait out the storm. The legal issues will eventually be resolved, which could open up the path for the two old foes to share the ring once again.
Getting into another fight and then getting ready for Mayweather might be too much for Pac-Man, who will likely be 48 by the time a bout against the American is rescheduled. It must be said, though, that there is no guarantee that it gets done, which could force Pacquiao to weigh up his options and make a decision in the near future.
