“Grandpa” Fights On? Fan Anger Over Pacquiao’s Romero Title Pursuit

Manny Pacquiao showed interest today in a title fight against WBA welterweight champion Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero next. Pacquiao, 46, responded to a callout from Romero (17-2, 13 KOs), signalling that he’s open to the fight.

“Let’s see if he can beat me,” said Manny Pacquiao to the media when told that WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero wants a ‘Hall of Famer” on his record.

The “Grandpa” Nickname Impact

The reaction from fans to a possible fight between Pacquiao and WBA 147-lb champion Rolly Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) has been mostly dismissive. Some people are saying they don’t want to see “Grandpa” fighting for another world title after failing to beat the flawed WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. It’s like how many consecutive titles will Pacquiao be given world title shots?

Is this going to be repeated until he finally wins one? What then? Is 48-year-old Floyd Mayweather Jr. dragged out of retirement to fight Manny for a world title belt? The picture that it would present to the world would be a ridiculous one, making boxing seem more like a non-sport, a circus, and a complete joke.

The Pacquiao-Romero fight will still need to be negotiated, and it’s unclear if it’ll happen. Pacquiao’s adviser, Sean Gibbons, mentioned wanting Rolly or Gervonta Davis for Manny’s next fight following his 12-round majority draw against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19th. Gibbons wants someone who “moves the needle” in terms of attracting interest and bringing in PPV buys.

Pacquiao’s PPV Pull Fades

Pacquiao is no longer generating massive PPV buys simply by fighting anyone. He now needs fighters who are popular enough that he can ride on their coattails to attract the younger fans, who have no interest in paying to watch an older fighter like himself.

In the distant past, Pacquiao could bring in any fighter to generate buys. Those days are gone. He’s not the superstar to the younger generation. He’s viewed as yesterday’s news.

Examples of Pacquiao’s PPV success against lesser names:

• Chris Algieri: 400,000 buys
• Joshua Clottey: 700,000
• Brandon Rios: 475,000
• Jessie Vargas: 300,000