Manny Pacquiao’s manager has confirmed that the boxing legend has no interest in facing Jake Paul. The eight-division world champion is currently seeking an opponent for a fight scheduled in March 2026, with WBA welterweight champion Laurie Romero emerging as the frontrunner for the bout. At 46 years old, Pacquiao is also contemplating investing in a rematch with Floyd Mayweather.
Despite being open to various opponents, Pacquiao’s camp insists that Jake Paul is not a viable option. Sean Gibbons, Pacquiao’s advisor, emphasized that no amount of money would convince Pacquiao to accept a fight with Paul. He points out that Pacquiao is focused on competing against fighters of similar size and skill, not those who outweigh him by over 50 pounds. Gibbons noted, “Manny is different. He fights with honor and for significant challenges, not just for the money.” He added that even an offer of $35 million wouldn’t sway Pacquiao, who wants legitimate fights at his weight class, unlike others who might chase money fights. The size difference is a major factor too, with Pacquiao weighing 147 pounds and Paul around 200 pounds, making such a fight unlikely.
Jake Paul is set to face Anthony Joshua on December 19th in Miami, a matchup many see as uneven given Joshua’s status as a former two-time world heavyweight champion. Ahead of this fight, Pacquiao shared five pieces of advice with Paul, urging him to train hard. When asked about the possibility of facing Paul, Pacquiao flatly denied it, highlighting the significant weight gap and noting that even in exhibition matches after retirement, Paul’s heaviest was 161 pounds.
Fan Take: This news is important for fight fans as it clarifies Pacquiao’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of his legacy by only engaging in competitive, fair-match fights. It also signals a clear boundary between traditional boxing champions and the newer wave of celebrity fighters, which could shape the sport’s future matchups and audience expectations.
