Manny Pacquiao accused of avoiding fight against welterweight champion: “He’s a legend but he ducked me”

While widely regarded as an “all-time legend”, Manny Pacquiao has equally been accused of swerving a world title opportunity at 147lbs.

The Filipino was destined for the Hall of Fame long before his temporary retirement, having become an eight-division world champion by the time he lost to Yordenis Ugas in 2021.

‘Pac Man’ then returned to competitive action in July 2025, boxing to a somewhat contentious draw against then-WBC world champion Mario Barrios.

It was therefore not beyond the realms of possibility that the 47-year-old would enter another welterweight title fight, this time bidding to reclaim his old WBA belt.

Or at least, that was the hope for reigning champion Rolando Romero, who had explored a potential Pacquiao showdown earlier this year.

The 30-year-old pulled off a sizable upset in May 2025, claiming the WBA ‘Regular’ title by dropping and unanimously outpointing Ryan Garcia.

He was then upgraded to full welterweight champion after Jaron Ennis, the former unified king at 147lbs, announced that he was moving up to super-welterweight.

‘Rolly’ therefore felt he had a chip with which to bargain for a Pacquiao fight, only to instead land a title defence against Teofimo Lopez for August 22.

Speaking with DAZN, Romero maintained his belief that Pacquiao “ducked” him while, at the same time, showing no shortage of respect for the pound-for-pound great.

“He ducked me. But [Pacquiao’s a] legend, all-time legend.”

Following the collapse of his rematch with Floyd Mayweather, which was supposed to take place later this year, Pacquiao seemingly remains in search of a new opponent.