Manny Pacquiao’s plans for the remainder of 2026 have been forced to pivot after his proposed rematch with Floyd Mayweather was pushed back indefinitely.

The eight-division world champion returned to professional boxing last year, fighting then-WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios to a draw. Pacquiao has repeatedly insisted that he is not yet finished with the sport and has been targeting one final run of high-profile fights.

A rematch with long-time rival Mayweather had been expected to headline his schedule, but those plans were put on hold after the American’s ongoing legal issues delayed negotiations.

As a result, Pacquiao’s team are now exploring alternative options to keep the Filipino icon active before any eventual meeting with ‘Money’.

Speaking to The Ring MagazineCEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, Jas Mathur, confirmed that the team were actively working on a new opportunity for the 47-year-old, and signalled that he believes the Mayweather fight will take place after that.

“We’re working on it. We’re looking at different options. We want to be very careful, of course – we are under contract at this time – but yes, we are working on trying to get an alternate fight or something in place for Manny at this moment. We want it to be the right opportunity with the right partners, and also so he has enough time for his camp against Floyd.”

Should he look to make a second attempt at breaking his own world record as the oldest welterweight world champion, he must target Devin Haney, Rolando Romero, Ryan Garcia or Liam Paro.

Jaron Ennis has named his primary target after becoming a two-division unified champion against Xander Zayas.

The two super-welterweights squared off last Saturday, with ‘Boots’ scoring three knockdowns en route to a seventh-round stoppage victory.

As a result, the 29-year-old now holds the WBO and WBA titles at 154lbs, putting him in position for a three-belt unification match with either Sebastian Fundora or Josh Kelly.

The latter champion claimed his IBF title by defusing explosive puncher Bakhram Murtazaliev in January, when a classy performance earned him a majority decision triumph.

Kelly is now expected to defend his strap against Caoimhin Agyarko on July 25, featuring on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Fundora, meanwhile, comes off a successful WBC title defence against Keith Thurman, who he stopped in round six of their one-sided encounter in March.

According to his promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, ‘The Towering Inferno’ will face mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj later this year, ruling him out of a 2026 showdown with Ennis.

At the same time, though, ‘Boots’ has told Put’cha Gloves On that his preferred opponent is Fundora, who claimed his WBC title with a split decision victory over Tim Tszyu in 2024.

“I want Fundora. Bring on that tall [Towering Inferno]. We’re gonna chop him down; chop him down easy.”

While ‘Boots’ highlighted the 6ft 6in southpaw as his main target, father and trainer ‘Bozy’ Ennis equally said they would be eager to face Kelly.

Interestingly enough, neither man mentioned Vergil Ortiz Jr, who has long been on a collision course with Ennis but is yet to win a world title.

“Having 0 inside game and resorting to clinching every time you’re close to your opponent only takes you so far; some guys just don’t get the right opponent as soon as others. I’m waiting.”

Haney fired back by pointing to what he has already accomplished in boxing despite the criticism.

“If it only takes u so far.. I came pretty damn far. Very few can say they did what I did so far at my age.”

The response comes as Haney continues to face debate over his style. While he became the undisputed lightweight champion and has held world titles in two weight classes, critics have long argued that his reliance on movement, jabbing and clinching becomes more pronounced against physically stronger opponents.

Haney, 27, remains the WBO welterweight champion and is under orders to defend his title against mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis. Negotiations are expected before the sanctioning body’s deadline, although Haney has also expressed interest in other lucrative fights, including a rematch with Ryan Garcia.

His post made clear that he views his resume, not stylistic preferences, as the ultimate answer to his critics.

The exchange also reflects the divide among fans. Supporters point to Haney’s championships and undefeated résumé, while detractors continue to cite his disputed victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko and argue that his clinch-heavy approach could prove vulnerable against bigger, more physical welterweights.