Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao has decided to return to the ring, yet again, at age 47 later this year in an exhibition and his promotion also won a significant IBF title fight purse bid this week, as ell.
Legendary eight-division world champion and 2025 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Manny Pacquiao is officially returning to the spotlight later in 2026, albeit in an exhibition this time.
The Filipino legend Pacquiao will face former junior welterweight champion, Russia's Ruslan Provodnikov in a 10-round welterweight exhibition on April 18 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The event was announced earlier this week by Industry Media and promoter Artie Pelullo of Banner Promotions. While a broadcast partner wasn't announced, organizers confirmed to insider Dan Rafael that details are forthcoming, including plans for a full undercard featuring world championship bouts.
Pac-man ended a four-year retirement in July with a disputed majority draw against WBC welterweight titlist Mario Barrios in Las Vegas. It was a result that many observers believed Pacquiao deserved to win. However, he didn't get the title, so, Pacquiao has been searching for his next move.
Sources told Rafael that there were talks progressing with WBA titleholder Rolando Romero, but no agreement materialized. So, he's moved to the exhibition route against a contemporary fighter.
“I carry the Philippines with me every time I fight,” Pacquiao said in the statement. “The support from my country and fans around the world inspires me. Returning to Las Vegas means so much to me. I’m coming back to give the fans a great fight—and I’m ready.”
The now 47 year old Pacquiao, who stands at 62-8-3, 39 KOs, showed impressive sharpness in his July after not having fought since August of 2021. seemingly defying both age and inactivity.
Still, without securing another official bout, he agreed to this exhibition with Provodnikov (25-5, 18 KOs), who is 42 and has been retired since a 2016 loss to John Molina Jr.
According to Rafael, Industry Media turned to Provodnikov after several high-profile former champions—including Hall of Famers Juan Manuel Marquez and Timothy Bradley Jr., as well as Marcos Maidana—all declined offers to do the exhibition.
Pelullo, who guided Provodnikov’s career, called the matchup long overdue. “Manny and Ruslan should have faced each other years ago,” he said. “They’re among the most exciting fighters of their era—always aggressive, always fearless.”
Provodnikov built his reputation through unforgettable wars, most notably his 2013 classic against Bradley, followed by a dramatic title-winning stoppage of Mike Alvarado. Now, two of boxing’s most relentless warriors finally share the ring.
Also, earlier in the week Manny Pacquiao Promotions secured promotional rights for the IBF featherweight title bout between mandatory challenger Ra’eese Aleem and champion Angelo Leo. This after winning Tuesday’s purse bid at the IBF's headquarters in NJ. MP Promotions submitted a winning offer of $227,100, surpassing the lone competing bid of $167,000 from ProBox, Leo’s co-promoter.
Under IBF regulations, Leo will receive 65 percent of the purse, totaling $147,615, while Aleem will take home 35 percent, amounting to $79,485. The IBF has ordered the bout to take place within 90 days, setting a deadline of May 18.
MPP president Sean Gibbons confirmed to Rafael that plans are in motion to stage the fight in May, but now that there's a date and location for Pacquiao's ring return, Leo-Aleem fight could also be added to that show with still 60 days to go.
This bout will mark Leo’s second defense of his IBF 126 lb. world title, as he looks to fend off the experienced Las Vegas contender and solidify his reign atop the division.