Manny Pacquiao is set to return to the ring in April, taking on former champion Ruslan Provodnikov.
Following a tightly contested draw against Mario Barrios last summer, Pacquiao had several directions he could have gone. A rematch with Barrios seemed likely, and there was also talk of a possible bout with Rolly Romero.
One option stood out above the rest: a rematch with Floyd Mayweather. The two fighters shared the ring back in 2015 in what remains the highest-grossing boxing match of all time. Since then, Mayweather has already scheduled two exhibition bouts this year—one against Mike Tyson and another against Mike Zambidis.
Manny Pacquiao set for exhibition return against Ruslan Provodnikov in Las Vegas
Industry Media and Arthur Pelullo’s Banner Promotions dropped a bit of a bombshell this evening, announcing that Manny Pacquiao will be stepping back into the ring for an exhibition fight.
He’s set to face former super-lightweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov, who hasn’t fought professionally since 2016 and has since transitioned into politics. The bout will be held over ten three-minute rounds, though specific rules around knockdowns and stoppages are still to be confirmed.
Tickets are already available, with the fight scheduled for April 18 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Organisers are billing it as a night of ‘world championship’ boxing, with prices starting at $150 and going up to just over $5,500.
Pacquiao discusses comeback against Provodnikov in Las Vegas
In a statement, Pacquiao said of the exhibition bout: “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.
“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’m coming back to give them a great fight — and I’m ready.”
Erroll Angara, Co-Founder, COO of Indistry, branded it a ‘defining moment’ for his company, saying: “Manny Pacquiao vs Ruslan Provodnikov on April 18 represents more than a marquee matchup – it signals our formal entry into the fight world and the direction we are headed as a company.
“We are proud to usher in a new standard of premier boxing events that unite elite competition with elevated fan experiences worthy of the moment and the legacy.”
Arthur Pelullo, President of Banner Promotions added: “I am excited about the opportunity to work with Manny Pacquiao, a true Hall of Famer,”
“I want to thank Erroll Angara, COO of Indistry Media, and Mary Landaverde CEO of Indistry Media for bringing me on board. I’m thrilled about what they have planned for the future.”
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