Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will return to the ring on April 18th for a 10-round exhibition bout against former light-welterweight world champion Ruslan Provodnikov, at the Thomas & Mack Centre in Las Vegas, United States.
Pacquiao, 47, briefly came out of retirement in July after four years away from the sport but fell short in a majority decision loss to WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
The eight-division world champion had initially called for a rematch but has instead opted for an exhibition contest.
“I carry the Philippines with me every time I fight,” Pacquiao said. “The support from my country and fans around the world continues to inspire me.”
“I’m coming back to give them a great fight and I’m ready. Returning to Las Vegas means so much to me.”
Pacquiao boasts a professional record of 62 wins, eight losses and three draws. He remains unbeaten in three previous exhibition bouts, winning two and drawing one.
Before his comeback against Barrios, the Filipino great had told reporters that he intended to pursue an extended return to boxing. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2025.
Provodnikov, 42, retired in 2016 after a career that saw him compete at both light-welterweight and welterweight. The Russian finished with 25 victories and five defeats and was widely regarded for his aggressive fighting style.
