Manny Pacquiao announces another return with 10-round exhibition against Ruslan Provodnikov
Manny Pacquiao will continue his return to the ring when he takes on Ruslan Provodnikov on April 18; Pacquiao initially retired back in 2021 but after four years away returned to boxing in 2025 against Mario Barrios
Wednesday 18 February 2026 08:12, UK
Manny Pacquiao has confirmed he will take on Ruslan Provodnikov in a 10-round welterweight exhibition match on April 18 at Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao returned to the ring after a four-year retirement for the first time last year and now continues that return against former junior welterweight world champion Provodnikov.
The last outing for the 47-year-old was in July 2025 when he took on former WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. That contest ended with a majority draw; two of the judges scored it a draw and one awarded Barrios a 115-113 victory.
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"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 said in a statement.
"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."
During Pacquiao's time away, he launched a presidential bid in the Philippines in 2022 after serving six years in their senate.
He was the first ever boxer to become the eight-division world champion and became the oldest welterweight world champion at age 40 in 2019.
April's bout will be at the Thomas and Mack Center, which hosted a number of notable fights in the 1990s before the construction of MGM Grand Garden Arena and then T-Mobile Arena that became the primary homes for Las Vegas' top matches.
