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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Boxing devider Manny Pacquiao exploring fight options after shelved Mayweather rematch

Manny Pacquiao exploring fight options after shelved Mayweather rematch

Published Jun 27, 2026 10:48 am  |  Updated Jun 27, 2026 02:50 pm

At A Glance

  • Jas Mathur, CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, told The Ring Magazine that the eight-division world champion's team is actively weighing other options while awaiting developments on the blockbuster showdown with Mayweather.
With the highly anticipated rematch against Floyd Mayweather Jr. pushed back, the camp of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has begun exploring alternative opponents for a potential September fight.
Jas Mathur, CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, told The Ring Magazine that the eight-division world champion's team is actively weighing other options while awaiting developments on the blockbuster showdown with Mayweather.
“We're working on it. We're looking at different options, we're looking at different things,” said Mathur without getting into details in the Ring Magazine report.
“We want to be very careful. Of course we are under contract at this time, but yes, we are working on trying to get an alternate fight as well or something in place for Manny at this moment,” he added.
The rematch against Mayweather isn’t completely off the table and is likely to happen early next year, although Pacquiao is needing a fight just to keep him busy and active for the meantime.
“But we want it to be the right opportunity with the right partners and also so he has enough time for his camp against Floyd.”
Among possible options being floated is a potential crack at the current welterweight champions — particularly recent International Boxing Federation winner Liam Paro.
Paro had been vocal about wanting to fight the Filipino great after beating Lewis Crocker for the belt. 
“Manny Pacquiao was my favourite fighter growing up. I was Jeff Horn’s main sparring partner for the Pacquiao fight and I was there to witness that atmosphere first-hand,” Paro said.
“I’d love to share the ring with Manny Pacquiao, Ryan Garcia or any of the big names,” he added.
Other titleholders at welterweight include WBC champion Ryan Garcia, WBO king Devin Haney and WBA beltholder Rolly Romero, giving Pacquiao several championship options should he pursue another title fight.
An exhibition fight also remains a possibility. Before negotiations for the Mayweather rematch gained traction, Pacquiao had been scheduled to face Ruslan Provodnikov in an exhibition, although those plans were eventually shelved.

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Manny Pacquiao Floyd Mayweather Jr. Boxing
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