Philippines, 07 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Can Pacquiao wangle a rematch now?


PhilBoxing.com




There are bigger stories in Philippine boxing, like Brian Viloria?s stunning 5th round KO conquest of a highly rated foe in California on Sunday. Milan Melindo is set to defend his IBF junior flyweight crown in Cebu this weekend. Nonito Donaire Jr. has set a big comeback bout.

But what continues to intrigue the street fans is Manny Pacquiao?s rematch with unbeaten Jeff Horn of Australia, who took away Pacquiao?s WBO world welterweight crown in July.

The road to the rematch has suddenly turned rocky.
The bout had been originally set in Brisbane for Nov. 12, as agreed upon by both parties. Unfortunately, the rematch has ended up being ditched.

Looking back, Pacquiao announced in a snap that he was pulling out of the agreed rematch in Brisbane. Before that, Pacquiao had said he would be terribly tied up with his duties in the Senate. Next he explained he would be joining a trade delegation to China. Then, in a puzzling twist, Pacquiao said he was not withdrawing, but instead wanted to stage the rematch in the Philippines, possibly in December.

As a result, Pacquiao ended up being knocked out of the big fight after Australian promoters decided to get a new championship opponent for Horn.

It could not be determined if Pacquiao had been stricken dumb. The decision from Australia to junk him as Horn?s next opponent was received with complete silence.

Regarding Pacquiao?s planned big card here at home, there was supposed to be great financial backing from the tourism department, friends and supporters of The Pacman, and President Duterte himself.

Why did Pacquiao get left out in the cold?

Bob Arum explained they could not wait indefinitely. The veteran promoter said he has a duty to provide Horn his right to earn his worth as a world champion.

Wasn?t Pacquiao put in his proper place over his absurd dilly-dallying?

Of course, all is not lost. There?s word from Australia that Horn-Pacquiao Part 2 could yet be staged in Brisbane next year.

Or Horn could just proceed with his reign, with or without Pacquiao. There are more than a couple of prospective challengers, led by former WBO welter champion Jessie Vargas, who wanted to take on the unbeaten Australian world champ.

Here at home, there are speculations Pacquiao could yet stage his planned big fight next year.

Out in the city wet market sports hub, they continued to ask whether Pacquiao honestly wanted to take on Horn again.

?Palaban ba o pa-ayaw (Is he fighting or running away)?? several vendors were asking.

Will Pacquiao still go for a rematch?

Can Pacquiao still wangle a rematch?


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa: Scrappy Styles Matchup in Liverpool
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 07 Feb 2026
  • Undefeated Middleweight Sebastian Juarez Returns to the Ring February 6 in Guadalajara
    , Fri, 06 Feb 2026
  • Esquillo, Arpilleda to compete at Lunar Horse Battle Royal 10-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 06 Feb 2026
  • WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR MEDINA VS. CURIEL IN MEXICO, PLUS MAIN EVENT QUOTES
    , Fri, 06 Feb 2026
  • Rene Tellez Giron & Luis Torres Battle for Mexican Pride in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’
    , Fri, 06 Feb 2026
  • Gomera and Ding are set to clash for the WBC Asia 126 belt
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 05 Feb 2026
  • “Thunderdome 53 is stacked and I cant wait to see these fights March 13 at Thunderdome 53 - Promoter Tony Tolj
    , Thu, 05 Feb 2026
  • WORLD ELITE SUMO MAKES ITS PRUDENTIAL CENTER DEBUT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 18
    , Thu, 05 Feb 2026
  • Sumalinog Brothers Score Wins in Bohol; Sign with Monty Flores (PHOTOS)
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 05 Feb 2026
  • MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH TEAM BOXING LEAGUE
    , Thu, 05 Feb 2026
  • Trifon Petrov unveils the signing of another USA Team member in Ariana Carrasco
    , Thu, 05 Feb 2026
  • Jerome Gonzales off to a marvelous start in J&P 10 Ball Cup at Pacman's Cue Club
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 05 Feb 2026
  • DCL amateur MMA on Feb. 21 at Sta. Lucia Mall
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 05 Feb 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 3 FEBRUARY 2026: Shakur Schools Teofimo to Become 4-Division Champ; Zayas Unifies WBA/WBO Superwelter; Kelly Beats Murtazaliev
    By Eric Armit, , Wed, 04 Feb 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Grand Week for Boxing in NY
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 04 Feb 2026
  • Boxlab Promotions Euri Cedeno and Carlos De Leon Castro Shine in San Juan Victories
    , Wed, 04 Feb 2026
  • National Boxing Hall of Fame 2026 is set to April 26 in Montebello, California
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 04 Feb 2026
  • Vito Mielnicki Jr. Returns Home to Defend WBC USA, IBF USBA and WBO Global Middleweight Championships Against Omar Ulises Huerta
    , Wed, 04 Feb 2026
  • Noah Lucas Palcis sees action in Bangkok chess meet
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 04 Feb 2026
  • Reymond Yanong Edges Out Hayato Ono for Split Decision Win in Japan
    By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • “I’m gonna smoke whoever is in front of me, Anthony Wright- Hearn makes his pro debut March 13 at Thunderdome 53
    , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • Pacman's Cue Club Hosts J&P 10 Ball Cup from Feb. 4 to 7
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is back
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • WILDER AND CHISORA FACE OFF IN ICONIC TIMES SQUARE TO ANNOUNCE APRIL 4 HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AT THE O2 LONDON
    , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • World Boxing appoints Tom Dielen as new Secretary General
    , Tue, 03 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.