Manny Pacquiao is returning to the boxing ring. The People’s Champ is set to face Russian fighter Ruslan Provodnikov in a ten-round exhibition fight on April 18, 2026, at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Photo: Manny Pacquiao/Facebook
In a statement shared through Associated Press, the Filipino boxing icon said, “Returning to Las Vegas means so much to me, and I’m excited to work with a team focused on creating a world-class experience for the fans. I carry the Philippines with me every time I fight. The support from my country and from fans around the world continues to inspire me. I’m coming back to give them a great fight—and I’m ready.”
This announcement comes almost a year after Pacquiao’s match against Marrio Barrios for the World Boxing Council welterweight title in July 2025, which ended in a majority draw.
Three decades of boxing
Pacquiao has had a career spanning more than three decades, being the only boxer to claim titles in eight weight divisions, securing 12 major world championships along the way. He has faced some of boxing’s biggest names, including Marco Antonio Barrera, Shane Mosley, Erik Morales, Oscar De La Hoya, and Miguel Cotto.
With a record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, including 39 knockouts, Pacquiao’s achievements have been recognized globally. In 2024, ESPN named him the top Asian athlete of the 21st century, and he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame that same year.
Outside the ring, Pacquiao also led Team Philippines on the Netflix reality show Physical: Asia, though he had to exit the series early.
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