Romero claims the proposed Pacquiao fight collapsed after repeated financial demands during talks
Rolando “Rolly” Romero says talks for a fight with Manny Pacquiao collapsed during negotiations. The WBA welterweight champion claims Pacquiao’s camp pushed for a larger purse before the deal could be finalized.
Pacquiao, now in his forties, remains one of boxing’s most recognizable names. The Filipino star is the only fighter to win world titles across eight weight divisions and has shared the ring with elite names over two decades, including Floyd Mayweather, Juan Manuel Marquez, Timothy Bradley and Ricky Hatton.
Romero said discussions for a fight between the two were serious at one stage, but the deal never materialized.
Speaking on the Last Stand Podcast with Brian Custer, Romero claimed Pacquiao’s team repeatedly raised financial demands during negotiations.
“How many times did he call me out? He wasted my time, as well. He wanted more money cause he can’t sell any more. You can say whatever you want but the thing is, it was weird with Manny cause they were super adamant about making the fight but bro we tried and tried and tried and they didn’t want to do it, but they used my name over and over again. They all play big tough guy until it’s time to put a pen to the paper.”
Pacquiao last fought in July when he challenged WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. The bout ended in a draw. Soon after, a professional rematch with Floyd Mayweather was officially announced.
The Romero matchup had circulated during the same period while Pacquiao was exploring options at welterweight.
Romero has since shifted his attention elsewhere. The WBA beltholder is now discussing a potential unification fight with three-division champion Devin Haney.
From a tactical standpoint, Romero’s offense is built around straight right hands and quick left hooks thrown in combinations. Against a mobile veteran like Pacquiao, establishing the jab early and forcing exchanges in mid-range would have been central to his strategy.
For now, that matchup remains hypothetical. Romero’s next move could come against Haney in a fight that would place two American titleholders in the ring with unified belts on the line.