Manny Pacquiao after entering the ring to fight Mario Barrios in a WBC welterweight title fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.\

MANILA, Philippines —  While Manny Pacquiao played golf in Pasadena, California, WBA regular welterweight champion Rolly Romero officially joined the million-dollar race as the Filipino icon’s next opponent.

Romero, a 29-year-old American with a 17-2 record, has made sure he wouldn’t be left behind as Pacquiao looks around for his next foe.

The 46-year-old Pacquiao is fresh from a controversial 12-round draw against WBC welterweight king Mario Barrios. He defied age against a legitimate champion 16 years younger, and immediately announced that he wants to continue fighting.

Romero’s name cropped up as an early candidate along with junior welterweight star Gervonta Davis. Of course, Barrios is on the short list along with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“A Hall of Famer (Pacquiao) on my resumé, who wouldn’t want that? That’s the easiest way to get into the Hall of Fame, right?” Romero told BoxingScene.

Facing Pacquiao is like winning the lottery. Barrios will have no less than $1 million in the bank when all the tabulations come in from the Pacquiao fight.

Romero will be in for the biggest paycheck of his career as well if he gets to face Pacquiao, who hit the driving range at the Brookside Golf Club in Pasadena three days after the Barrios bout.

Pacquiao was reportedly guaranteed $10 million to $12 million for his first fight in four years. The figure could reach a high of $18 million once his share from the PPV sales comes in.