Manny Pacquiao Offered New Route to Historic World Title Shot After Barrios Draw

Manny Pacquiao may still have a chance to make boxing history.

The Filipino legend has been offered a new route to a world title shot following his draw with Mario Barrios earlier this year.

Pacquiao returned to professional boxing in July after a long absence. He challenged Barrios for the WBC welterweight title, despite not winning a fight since 2019. At 47 years old, he was aiming to become the oldest welterweight world champion in history.

Many doubted the comeback.

Instead, Pacquiao surprised observers with a strong performance. He pushed the younger champion throughout the fight and matched him round for round. When the scorecards were read, the bout was declared a draw.

The decision caused debate.

Several fans and analysts felt Pacquiao had done enough to win. While the result denied him a record-breaking moment, it proved that he could still compete at world level.

Pacquiao has since confirmed that he plans to continue fighting.

His initial target was WBA welterweight champion Rolando Romero. A fight with Romero would have given Pacquiao another immediate chance at history.

That plan now appears unlikely.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that Romero is being lined up to face Conor Benn. The bout is expected to position the winner for a major unification fight in 2026. As a result, Pacquiao’s path to the WBA title has become uncertain.

With that door closing, another has opened.

WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney sparked interest this week with a brief post on X. Haney publicly told Pacquiao’s manager, Sean Gibbons, to contact his father and trainer, Bill Haney.

“Sean Gibbons call Bill Haney,” Haney wrote.

Shortly after, Bill Haney confirmed on Instagram that he had spoken with Gibbons. The call lasted around four minutes. No agreement was announced, but the exchange quickly drew attention across the boxing world.

A potential fight with Haney would be a major test for Pacquiao.

Haney is regarded as one of the most skilled fighters in the division. He is known for his speed, sharp technique, and defensive control. At this stage of his career, Pacquiao would enter the bout as a clear underdog.

Still, the reward would be enormous.

If Pacquiao were to win, he would become the oldest welterweight world champion in boxing history. It would stand as one of the most remarkable achievements ever seen from a veteran fighter.

For now, no official talks have been confirmed. Pacquiao’s camp has not commented further.

Yet once again, the former eight-division world champion has placed himself in the title conversation. And once again, Manny Pacquiao is proving that he is not finished yet.