Manny Pacquiao’s Potential Comeback: Could Vasiliy Lomachenko Be His Next Opponent? 

For boxing fans worldwide, the prospect of a Manny Pacquiao comeback has always been a tantalizing thought. The Filipino legend, who has graced the ring for over two decades and amassed a staggering array of world titles, retired in 2021 following a political run in the Philippines. However, the whispers of his return have started to grow louder, with recent reports suggesting that Pacquiao may soon step back into the ring — and his next opponent could be none other than Ukrainian champion Vasiliy Lomachenko. This exciting possibility is set to leave boxing fans buzzing as they eagerly await confirmation.

The Return of a Legend

Manny Pacquiao’s retirement was a bittersweet moment for boxing fans. After an illustrious career that saw him take on and defeat some of the biggest names in the sport, including Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, and Juan Manuel Márquez, Pacquiao decided to focus on his political career in the Philippines, ultimately running for president. But boxing fans never really believed that the 44-year-old’s time in the sport was completely over.

Rumors about a potential comeback began circulating in late 2023, and now, in 2025, it looks like Pacquiao is seriously considering returning to the ring. According to reports from ABS-CBN, Pacquiao is in discussions to reunite with Top Rank Promotions, the company that helped launch his international career. This partnership could be the stepping stone for his anticipated return to boxing in January 2026.

Who Could Be His Next Opponent?

The real question on everyone’s mind is: Who will Pacquiao face in his highly anticipated return? According to various rumors, Ukrainian boxer Vasiliy Lomachenko is the front-runner for the job. Lomachenko, a former lightweight champion and one of the most technically gifted fighters of his generation, has been looking for a marquee matchup to solidify his place in boxing history. A showdown between Pacquiao and Lomachenko would be a clash of two completely different fighting styles — and perhaps two different eras of boxing.

Lomachenko, at 35 years old, is still considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Known for his speed, footwork, and brilliant boxing IQ, he remains a dominant force in the lightweight division. After a series of high-profile wins, including a dominant performance against Teofimo Lopez, Lomachenko has solidified himself as one of the sport’s elite fighters.

Pacquiao, on the other hand, is a veteran who has defied the odds throughout his career. From his early days as a flyweight to his rise to welterweight champion, Pacquiao has proven time and again that age is just a number. His explosive speed, relentless work rate, and unorthodox style made him one of the most feared fighters in boxing history. While his last bout was a loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021, many still believe that the Filipino legend has more to giv

Why This Match Makes Sense

The proposed matchup between Pacquiao and Lomachenko is intriguing for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a perfect storyline for both fighters. For Pacquiao, a win over Lomachenko would be a fitting return to the top of boxing, a final hurrah that would solidify his legacy as one of the greatest of all time. Despite being in the twilight of his career, a victory over someone as talented as Lomachenko would remind the world of Pacquiao’s remarkable skill and determination.

For Lomachenko, a win over Pacquiao would represent a career-defining moment. While Lomachenko has already achieved considerable success in his career, defeating a legend like Pacquiao would not only cement his status as an all-time great but also elevate him to a new level in the sport. Additionally, with both fighters being known for their speed and technique, a matchup between them promises to be an exciting spectacle, filled with fast-paced action and high-level boxing.

Furthermore, a Pacquiao vs. Lomachenko fight would undoubtedly generate massive pay-per-view sales. Pacquiao, even after his retirement, remains a global icon. His legacy, combined with the intrigue of his return to the ring, would attract millions of viewers around the world. Lomachenko, despite being somewhat underappreciated in terms of mainstream recognition, is highly respected among boxing purists, and his reputation would draw in fans who appreciate high-level boxing.

Can Pacquiao Compete at the Highest Level?

While the idea of Pacquiao facing Lomachenko is incredibly exciting, questions about Pacquiao’s readiness to compete at the highest level will undoubtedly linger. After a two-year layoff, it’s natural to wonder whether the Filipino’s skills have diminished with age. Many wonder if his lightning-fast reflexes and unparalleled conditioning are still intact, or if the years of wear and tear from his grueling career will affect his performance.

However, Pacquiao has always proven that he is more than capable of overcoming adversity. Even in the later stages of his career, he has been able to hang with some of the best in the sport. His last loss to Yordenis Ugas was a tough one, but Pacquiao was still competitive, and many believe that with the right preparation, he could once again compete at the highest level.

Conclusion: Will This Dream Fight Happen?

As exciting as the prospect of a Manny Pacquiao vs. Vasiliy Lomachenko fight is, the reality of the matchup remains to be seen. While reports suggest that negotiations are in the works and that Pacquiao is eager to make a comeback, the fight is not yet confirmed. Fans will have to wait and see if the reunion with Top Rank becomes a reality and if Lomachenko agrees to face Pacquiao in what could be one of the most highly anticipated bouts of the next decade.

If it does happen, though, it would be a fitting clash between two of the sport’s finest talents — one representing the old guard and the other symbolizing the new generation. Regardless of the outcome, it would undoubtedly be a fight for the ages.