With a recent wave of retired fighters finding fights, Manny Pacquiao wasn’t going to be left out.
The boxing Hall of Famer will be lacing up the gloves once more in April against former champion Ruslan Provodnikov for an exhibition bout. The 10-round welterweight fight will take place at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on April 18. The matchup was officially announced in a press release Thursday.
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“I carry the Philippines with me every time I fight,” Pacquiao said in the release. “The support from my country and from fans around the world continues to inspire me. 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 (62-8-3) last fought in July, going the distance in a majority draw against Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. Aside from that title bout, the 47-year-old has remained active over the years in exhibition bouts against DK Yoo in 2022 and Rukiya Anpo in 2024.
Provodnikov (25-5) hasn’t fought professionally since 2016, losing a unanimous decision against John Molina Jr. He last fought in December 2021, where he won a split decision in an exhibition bout against former UFC flyweight title challenger Ali Bagautinov.
The event is presented by Indistry Media and Arthur Pelullo’s Banner Promotions.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao set for April exhibition bout
