Hearn Names the Fighter Who Could Block Pacquiao–Romero

Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn says there is a boxer who could prevent WBA super lightweight champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero from defending his title against eight-division legend Manny Pacquiao — Uzbek contender Shakhram Giyasov, who is signed to Hearn’s promotional stable.

“I’m very pleased that the WBA did the right thing and ordered this fight between Giyasov and Rolando Romero, because the situation had become frustrating.

You know, there’s been talk of Romero fighting Pacquiao, but Shakhram has been waiting for a long time.

So we expect the WBA to stick to its position, and we’re planning for Shakhram Giyasov to fight for the WBA world title — most likely at the start of 2026,” Hearn said.

Both Romero and Hearn previously stated they were open to the matchup. After that, the WBA officially ordered Romero to defend his belt against Giyasov and set a negotiation deadline of November 13.