Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has officially confirmed his next ring appearance, scheduling a high-profile exhibition bout against hard-hitting Russian former champion Ruslan Provodnikov. The fight is set to take place in Las Vegas on 18 April, marking Pacquiao's second contest since emerging from a four-year retirement last year.
Return to the Vegas Spotlight
The 47-year-old Filipino superstar last competed in July, fighting to a majority draw against WBC welterweight titleholder Mario Barrios. That bout ended a lengthy hiatus for the eight-division world champion, who initially retired from professional boxing in 2021.
"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," Pacquiao stated in an official release distributed by Indistry Media and Banner Promotions.
He elaborated further, saying, "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."
A Formidable Russian Opponent
Ruslan Provodnikov presents a significant challenge despite his own extended absence from competitive boxing. The Russian fighter last appeared in the ring in 2016 but brings considerable credentials to this exhibition matchup.
Provodnikov held the WBO junior welterweight championship between 2013 and 2014, establishing himself as one of the division's most feared punchers during his prime. Though he lost four of his final seven professional contests before retiring, the Russian fighter demonstrated remarkable durability throughout his career, never suffering a stoppage defeat.
His professional record stands at 25 victories with 5 defeats, including 18 knockouts. The exhibition against Pacquiao will be contested over ten rounds according to current understanding of the bout's format.
Pacquiao's Historic Career Continues
Manny Pacquiao's boxing achievements remain unparalleled in the sport's history. The Filipino legend became the first boxer to capture world championships in eight different weight divisions, a feat that may never be duplicated.
In 2019, at age 40, he further cemented his legacy by becoming the oldest welterweight world champion in boxing history. His professional record currently stands at 62 wins, 8 losses, and 3 draws across 73 professional contests.
Beyond boxing, Pacquiao has maintained an active political career, serving in the Philippine Senate from 2016 to 2022 before mounting an unsuccessful presidential campaign in 2022. His contributions to boxing were formally recognized with induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025.
The April exhibition represents another chapter in one of boxing's most storied careers, bringing together two former champions with contrasting styles and backgrounds for what promises to be a compelling spectacle in the fight capital of the world.
