Manny Pacquiao set to return to boxing against Ruslan Provodnikov in April
"People's Champ" Manny Pacquiao is set to return to the boxing ring this April.
The 47-year-old boxing legend is set to face Ruslan Provodnikov of Russia in a ten-round exhibition on April 18 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.
“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,” Pacquiao said in a statement, per an AP report.
"I carry the Philippines with me every time I fight," he added. "The support from my country and from fans around the world continues to inspire me. I'm coming back to give them a great fight—and I'm ready."
This came almost a year after Pacquiao ended his hiatus in July 2025 for his match against Marrio Barrios for the World Boxing Council welterweight title, which he lost by majority draw.
Pacquiao’s journey in boxing began in the 1990s, and he remains the only fighter in history to claim championships in eight different weight divisions. Over the years, he has secured 12 major world titles and defeated legendary opponents such as Marco Antonio Barrera, Shane Mosley, Erik Morales, Oscar De La Hoya, and Miguel Cotto.
Known as the "People's Champ," Pacquiao boasts an impressive record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, including 39 victories by knockout. His achievements were further recognized in July 2024 when ESPN named him the top Asian athlete of the 21st century.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame on June 9 (Philippine time).
He also led Team Philippines on the reality Netflix show Physical: Asia, but had to exit early.
