Manny Pacquiao may still have a path to a WBA welterweight title fight with Rolando “Rolly” Romero after Bob Arum played down reports linking Teofimo Lopez to Romero.
Lopez had been rumored as a possible challenger for Romero’s WBA title, especially after Romero’s win over Ryan Garcia. But Arum said talks have not reached a serious stage and suggested nothing is moving until Lopez’s side fully settles on the fight.
“I think that would be a good fight, Teofimo-Romero,” Arum said. “But again, they’ll come to us when they’re ready for the fight to really happen. That hasn’t happened yet.”
Arum’s comments could reopen the door for Pacquiao, who has long been linked to Romero as he looks for a route back to a world title. Pacquiao’s team had previously made clear that Romero’s WBA belt was the target, even as other possibilities, including Floyd Mayweather, remained part of the conversation.
Negotiations for Pacquiao-Romero were reportedly advanced at one stage before being slowed by mandatory obligations and renewed Mayweather rematch talk.
Romero remains one of the most attractive options for Pacquiao if the Filipino legend wants one more title shot. Pacquiao has made no secret of his desire to leave boxing as a world champion, while Romero has shown he is willing to take major-name fights.
The situation is still moving, especially after Lopez said on DAZN that he had verbally agreed to face Romero. But after Arum’s comments, Pacquiao-Romero no longer looks completely closed.
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