Manny Pacquiao, keen on making history, eyes Rolly Romero

MANILA, Philippines–Manny Pacquiao has his sights set on WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero, according to the Filipino boxing legend’s right-hand man Sean Gibbons.

In an interview with worldboxingnews.com, Gibbons said Pacquiao, who turns 47 years old in December, is only keen on making “meaningful fights” at this stage of his career.

READ: Manny Pacquiao says he’s fighting again in December

And Romero, who was recently elevated to full champion, certainly fits the bill.

“No Barrios at this time. Manny is looking at Rolly Romero for the WBA title. Manny wants meaningful fights at 46 to make history,” Gibbons said.

Gibbons, however, cleared that things remain uncertain as far as Pacquiao’s next opponent is concerned when he returns for another fight targeted before the year’s end.

But as things stand, Romero appears to have the upper hand among the other potential opponents for the Hall-of-Famer. And that includes WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis, who agreed to fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in an exhibition in November.

READ: Pacquiao’s next fight? Gibbons wants Rolly Romero or Gervonta Davis

The 29-year-old Romero (17-2, 13KOs) could also opt for a rematch with Ryan Garcia, whom he beat by unanimous decision last May in Times Square. The two are reportedly in talks to run it back, although a bout with Pacquiao easily provides Romero the biggest payday of his career.

Despite coming up short in his historic bid to become world champion at 46 years old, Pacquiao still made a good account of himself after battling a much younger WBC titlist in Mario Barrios to a majority draw.

Many were even convinced that Pacquiao, who came out of a four-year retirement, won conclusively. Pacquiao is currently ranked No. 1 by the World Boxing Council (WBC).