Manny Pacquiao could receive another opportunity to become the oldest welterweight world champion in history, with Liam Paro’s team calling for a major title fight in Australia.
Pacquiao returned in July 2025 and fought Mario Barrios to a majority draw in a WBC welterweight title challenge. A planned rematch with Floyd Mayweather has since been postponed because of Mayweather’s ongoing legal issues, potentially leaving Pacquiao available for another bout.
Paro won the IBF welterweight title last month by defeating Lewis Crocker, and his promoter George Rose has made clear that Pacquiao is the preferred opponent.
“Manny is the one fight we want to make for Liam,” Rose said. “Imagine Manny coming back to Australia. It would be sensational.”
Paro was Jeff Horn’s main sparring partner before Horn’s controversial 2017 win over Pacquiao in Brisbane. A return to Australia would give Pacquiao another chance to claim a world title at 147lbs and extend the age record he first set against Keith Thurman in 2019.
Any plans may depend on Paro’s mandatory obligations, with Paddy Donovan also waiting for his opportunity.
Image CRedit: PBC