Manny Pacquiao has officially announced his upcoming match against former junior welterweight world champion Ruslan Provodnikov, scheduled for April 18 in Las Vegas. This will mark Pacquiao’s second fight since his return from a four-year hiatus, with his last bout taking place in July, where he fought to a majority draw against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
At 47 years old, Pacquiao continues to embody a profound sense of pride for his home country, as he expressed in a statement released by the fight’s promoters. “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,” he stated, reflecting his commitment to his fans and his heritage.
This highly anticipated bout will take place at the Thomas & Mack Center, a venue known for hosting memorable fights, particularly during the 1990s. Pacquiao expressed his excitement about returning to Las Vegas, emphasizing the importance of creating a world-class experience for fans. “I’m coming back to give them a great fight – and I’m ready,” he added.
After initially retiring in 2021, Pacquiao resumed his career last year and has since balanced his boxing ambitions with a political career. He served in the Philippine Senate from 2016 until 2022 and ran for president in his home country last year, although he was not elected.
An eight-division world champion and the first boxer in history to achieve such a remarkable feat, Pacquiao holds the distinction of being the oldest welterweight world champion at age 40, achieved in 2019. His impressive professional record stands at 62 wins, eight losses, and three draws out of 73 fights. In a testament to his legacy, he has been selected for induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025.
With this upcoming event, boxing fans worldwide can look forward to witnessing a storied athlete in action once again, showcasing his undying passion for the sport and his dedication to his fans.