Pacquiao Adviser Names Two Desired Opponents for the Filipino Star

Sean Gibbons, adviser to eight-division former world champion Manny Pacquiao, has revealed the opponents he believes fans—and Pacquiao himself—most want to see next.

According to Gibbons, Pacquiao’s preferred targets are WBA Lightweight champion Gervonta Davis and WBA Super-Lightweight titleholder Rolando “Rolly” Romero.

“There are two names the fans want. They’d love to see a fight with Gervonta Davis because, for the first time in Manny’s life, he’d be the physically bigger man—that’s a very intriguing matchup.

The other option is Rolly Romero for the WBA belt. Those are the two fights the fans want, and the two Manny wants.”

Gibbons added:

“Tank wants the biggest fights—I won’t put words in his mouth—but Manny’s draw with Mario Barrios sold the Davis fight. If Manny had looked bad or boring, no one would be interested, yet he showed he’s back and proved to Gervonta he’s still got plenty of gas in the tank.

Now that fans know what Manny can do, they’d gladly watch him against Tank or Rolly. Romero trash-talks well, beat Ryan Garcia, entertains the crowd, and doesn’t run like Barrios. That fight was disappointing; we took it thinking Barrios would trade like a warrior. Rolly and Tank are ready for a rough fight.

Both scenarios are on the table. Manny had only eight weeks to get ready for Barrios—give him another month and he’d have knocked him out.”

On 19 July, the 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) returned after a four-year hiatus, battling WBC Super-Lightweight champion Mario Barrios to a draw.

In March, Gervonta Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) and Lamont Roach fought to a majority draw; their rematch, penciled in for 16 August, is still not officially confirmed but could land on 23 or 30 August.

In May, Rolando Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) defeated Ryan Garcia via unanimous decision, dropping him in the second round. Garcia has pushed for a rematch, but his promoter Oscar De La Hoya has publicly opposed the idea.

Photo: CoverStory