Manny Pacquiao is stepping back into the ring once again.
According to Uncrowned (via Yahoo! Sports), the 47-year-old boxing icon is set to face Ruslan Provodnikov in a 10-round welterweight exhibition on April 18 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
The bout marks Pacquiao’s latest return to active competition. A broadcast partner for the fight has not yet been announced.
In a statement released alongside the announcement, Pacquiao emphasized what the moment means to him. “I carry the Philippines with me every time I fight,” he said. “The support from my country and from fans around the world continues to inspire me. Returning to Las Vegas means so much to me… I’m coming back to give them a great fight — and I’m ready.”
Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs), a seven-division world champion, already tested the waters last year. In July 2025, he returned from a four-year layoff and fought WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios to a draw.
His upcoming opponent, Provodnikov (25-5, 18 KOs), hasn’t fought professionally since 2016. Known as “The Russian Rocky,” he previously held the WBO super lightweight title and was involved in several high-profile bouts, including a Fight of the Year contender against Timothy Bradley Jr.
Pacquiao’s return also arrives amid broader developments surrounding his legacy. He was recently appointed vice president of the International Boxing Association (IBA), signaling a growing role in shaping the sport outside the ring.
At the same time, he has remained active in boxing conversations, including a recent video in which he broke down the best fighters across different skill sets. For defense, jab, and footwork, Pacquiao named Floyd Mayweather.
Those comments have drawn added attention due to renewed speculation about a second meeting between the two. Reports indicate that discussions are underway for a potential rematch in 2026, with Netflix exploring the possibility of broadcasting the event.
Their first fight, held in May 2015, ended with Mayweather winning by unanimous decision, securing multiple welterweight titles and maintaining his undefeated record.