Could Manny Pacquiao Be Ryan Garcia’s Next Opponent?
Ryan Garcia suffered a shocking loss to Rolly Romero, but he's already back in training with his sights set on a return. The boxing world is asking: who will step into the ring with him next? Could it be PacMan?
A comeback with unfinished business
Ryan Garcia unexpectedly lost to Rolly Romero back in May, delivering a flat performance that included a knockdown in the second round. After undergoing hand surgery, the California native is already training and aiming to return before the end of the year. The big question is: who will he fight?
A rematch with Romero is on the table, but Garcia has accused his promoter Oscar De La Hoya of trying to hand that title shot to another fighter. The internal tension casts doubt on the rematch, even though Romero’s belt is a major prize worth chasing.
Legend or present-day clash?
The name making the most noise is Manny Pacquiao. The Filipino icon, now 46, returned to the ring with a draw against Mario Barrios and proved he can still hang. Garcia, 20 years younger, has already thrown down the gauntlet: he says he would dominate Pacquiao—and even knock him out like Marquez did. A generational showdown, a possible farewell for PacMan… and a guaranteed blockbuster.
But De La Hoya seems to have another plan in mind: Teofimo Lopez, the reigning 140-lb champion. While Lopez would need to move up in weight, the clash of styles and personalities makes this a can’t-miss fight. Who wouldn’t want to see that war of fists and words?
And what about Devin Haney?
Though Devin Haney is currently scheduled to fight Brian Norman Jr. for the WBO welterweight title, he’s still on Garcia’s radar. Garcia beat him (before the bout was ruled a no contest due to a failed drug test), and a rematch feels inevitable. If both men win their next fights, 2026 could kick off with a personal war to settle the score once and for all.
