Las Vegas: Eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao has confirmed he will fight former junior welterweight world champion Ruslan Provodnikov in Las Vegas on April 18, marking his second bout since returning from a four-year retirement.
The 47-year-old Filipino icon last stepped into the ring in July, battling to a majority draw against Mario Barrios, the reigning World Boxing Council welterweight champion at the time. Pacquiao remarked that, “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.”
The bout will take place at the Thomas & Mack Center, a historic venue that hosted many marquee fights in the 1990s before major events shifted to the MGM Grand Garden Arena and later the T-Mobile Arena. Pacquiao added that, “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.”
Pacquiao originally retired in 2021 but resumed his career last year. Outside boxing, he served as a senator in the Philippine Senate from 2016 to 2022 and ran unsuccessfully for president in 2022. Widely regarded as one of boxing’s greatest fighters, Pacquiao remains the only boxer to win world titles in eight different weight divisions.
Pacquiao also became the oldest welterweight world champion at age 40 in 2019. His professional record stands at 62 wins, eight losses and three draws from 73 fights. In recognition of his achievements, Pacquiao was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025, further cementing his legacy as a global sporting icon representing the Philippines.
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