Manny Pacquiao Plans to Make a Boxing Comeback in December: What Fans Need to Know
Manny Pacquiao plans to make a boxing comeback in December. The 46-year-old star shocked everyone in July when he fought a young champ to a draw. Now, he wants one more big night before the year ends. Fans in the Philippines and around the world are excited. Will he fight for a belt? Or face an old rival? Keep reading for the full story.
How the Comeback Started
It all began on July 19, 2025. Manny1 Pacquiao stepped into the ring after four years away. His foe? Mario Barrios, the WBC welterweight champ. Barrios is 30 years old and in his prime. But Pacquiao moved fast. He threw punches nonstop. The fight went 12 rounds. It ended in a draw. Many fans said Pacquiao won.
Pacquiao landed more clean shots. He threw over 600 punches. Barrios threw less and hit less often. After the bell, Pacquiao smiled. “I still have it,” he told the crowd. That night lit a fire. He knew he could fight again.
Pacquiao is the only boxer to win titles in eight weight classes. He started small, at 112 pounds. Now he fights at 147. His record? 62 wins, 39 by knockout. Only 8 losses and 2 draws. No one else comes close.
Why December Matters
Right after the draw, Pacquiao spoke to reporters. “I want to fight this year. In December,” he said. His team agreed. They picked December 6 at first. The place? MGM Grand in Las Vegas. That’s where he made history before.
Why so soon? His body felt great. No big injuries. He trained hard in Los Angeles. His coach, Freddie Roach, saw the old speed. “Manny is ready,” Roach said. Fans loved the news. They posted on social media. #PacManIsBack trended fast.
But plans can change in boxing. A new fight card caused a delay. More on that later.
Who Will He Fight Next?
Manny Pacquiao’s next fight is the big question. Three names stand out.
Rolly Romero
Romero holds the WBA welterweight belt. He is 30 years old. His record is 18 wins, 2 losses. 15 knockouts. He beat Ryan Garcia this year. Pacquiao’s team likes this match. It is for a title. Pacquiao could set a new age record. He would be the oldest champ at 47.
Mario Barrios Again
Why not a rematch? The first fight was close. Barrios kept his belt on a draw. But Pacquiao outworked him. A second fight would settle it. Both fighters want it. It stays in the same promotion. Easy to make.
Vasyl Lomachenko
Lomachenko is a skill master. He won titles in three divisions. He retired in June. But talks started in October. Pacquiao named him at a press event. “We have options,” Pacquiao said. This fight would be pure boxing art.
Other names float around. Ryan Garcia. Gervonta Davis. But Romero leads right now.
- Title chance with Romero.
- Revenge with Barrios.
- Masterclass with Lomachenko.
The Big Delay: Lamont Roach Changes Everything
Manny Pacquiao’s December comeback fight details hit a bump. A fight between Lamont Roach Jr. and Isaac Cruz was set as the co-main event. It was for December 6. Roach drew with Gervonta Davis earlier. Fans love him now.
Promoters saw gold. They made Roach vs. Cruz the main event. That pushed Pacquiao back. New date? January 2025. Pacquiao stayed calm. “God has a plan,” he said.
The delay builds more hype. Fans wait longer. The fight will be bigger. Pacquiao’s comeback fight, postponed to January 2025, is the new talk.
Training Day by Day
Pacquiao trains at Wild Card Gym. He starts at 6 a.m. Runs five miles. Then mitts with Roach. Two hours of pads. Next, sparring. 12 rounds with young pros.
He eats clean. Fish. Veggies. Rice. No junk. He weighs 145 pounds. Lean and fast. Yoga keeps him loose. Ice baths help recovery.
His routine is simple:
- Run.
- Shadow box.
- Hit bags.
- Spar.
- Stretch and pray.
In July, he threw 56 punches per round. That’s top level. Roach says he looks better now.
For more on athlete performance and recovery, see how technology helps our wellness.
Mayweather Rematch Talk Heats Up
Pacquiao vs Mayweather rematch rumors never die. Their 2015 fight made $400 million. Mayweather won. But Pacquiao had a bad shoulder. Now, Netflix wants in. Reports say talks are on for 2026.
Pacquiao wants it. “I hope we agree,” he said in Manila. Mayweather is 48. He does exhibitions. But a pro rematch2? Huge. Floyd Mayweather Manny Pacquiao 2 could break records again.
First things first. December or January comes before that.
What Fans Think
In the Philippines, people stop to watch. Streets fill with screens. Pride runs deep. Pacquiao is a hero. He gives hope.
Want to know if schools or offices close for major events? Check the Walang Pasok updates for national schedules.
In the US and UK, old fans remember his wars. Young ones see clips online. Everyone talks. Polls say most pick Pacquiao to win his next fight.
Barrios said, “Manny never stops.” Romero called it a dream. The world waits.
How to Watch
Where to watch Manny Pacquiao’s comeback fight live? Las Vegas if you can go. Tickets sell fast.
At home? Pay-per-view. Prime Video likely. About $80. Worth it for the show.
For more streaming options, see how fans watched Seattle Mariners vs Houston Astros or Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets player stats.
How to stream Manny Pacquiao’s3 boxing comeback online? DAZN for extras. Netflix if it’s big.
In the Philippines? Free on TV. ABS-CBN or GMA.
Tips:
- Buy early.
- Use a good internet connection.
- Watch with friends.
Age Is Just a Number
People worry. He is 46. Soon 47. Can he take punches? July says yes. He took shots and kept coming. Doctors check him often. Roach watches closely.
Pacquiao fights smart now. He picks good foes. Not just anyone. This is about legacy. Not money alone.
His New Job in Boxing
Pacquiao is vice president of the IBA. That’s the group for amateur boxing. He helps make rules fair. It gives him power. His fights might follow IBA rules.
He wants to clean the sport. Fight for what is right. Ring and office. Both matter.
Why This Comeback Feels Special
Pacquiao started poorly. Sold donuts as a kid. Now he helps others. His fights pay for schools. Hospitals. Every punch has meaning.
This return is for fans. For his country. For history. Manny Pacquiao plans to make a boxing comeback in December, showing heart. Even if it slips to January, the story stays the same.
He is the people’s champ. Always will be.
FAQs
When does Manny come back to the ring?
He wants December. But now it’s January 2025. Another fight took his spot.
Who is he fighting?
Rolly Romero looks like the guy. Or maybe Barrios again. Lomachenko is in talks, too.
Why the delay?
Lamont Roach vs. Cruz got bumped to the main event. Pacquiao got pushed back.
How old is Pacquiao?
46 right now. Turns 47 in December.
Did he win his last fight?
Draw with Barrios. July 2025. Lots of people say he won.
Conclusion
Manny Pacquiao plans to make a boxing comeback in December. Or maybe early next year. He proved he can still go. Training hard. Picking big fights. Fans cheer loudly.
The delay from Roach’s fight only adds fire. Romero. Barrios. Maybe Lomachenko. Or Mayweather down the line. Whatever comes, it will be epic.
What do you think? Who should Pacquiao fight next? Tell us below!
References
- Manny Pacquiao confirms talks with Floyd Mayweather, Lomachenko – Direct quotes from Pacquiao. ↩︎
- Sources say Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch on Netflix table – Rematch buzz. ↩︎
- Manny Pacquiao Gets New Fight Return Date Because of Lamont Roach – Full delay story. ↩︎
