Manny Pacquiao to Face Ruslan Provodnikov in April Boxing Exhibition

The former champions will meet in a 10-round exhibition bout in Las Vegas.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 12:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is coming out of retirement to face former super-lightweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov in an exhibition match on April 18 in Las Vegas. The bout will be a 10-round affair with rules regarding knockdowns and stoppages yet to be determined. Tickets are already on sale for the event, which is being promoted by Indistry Media and Banner Promotions.

Why it matters

Pacquiao's return to the ring, even in an exhibition format, is a major event in the boxing world. The Filipino icon is one of the greatest fighters of his generation, and his matchup with Provodnikov, another former world champion, is sure to generate significant interest from fans.

The details

Pacquiao last fought professionally in a draw with Mario Barrios in 2021. He had been considering a rematch with Barrios or a clash with Rolly Romero, but ultimately opted for the exhibition bout with Provodnikov. The two fighters will meet in a 10-round affair at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, with ticket prices ranging from $150 to over $5,500.

  • Pacquiao and Provodnikov's exhibition bout is scheduled for April 18, 2026 in Las Vegas.

The players

Manny Pacquiao

A legendary Filipino boxer who has won world titles in eight different weight classes and is considered one of the greatest fighters of his era.

Ruslan Provodnikov

A former super-lightweight world champion from Russia who last fought professionally in 2016 before transitioning into politics.

Indistry Media

The media company promoting the Pacquiao-Provodnikov exhibition bout, along with Banner Promotions.

Banner Promotions

The boxing promotion company co-promoting the Pacquiao-Provodnikov exhibition alongside Indistry Media.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Manny Pacquiao (Yardbarker)

“Manny Pacquiao vs Ruslan Provodnikov on April 18 represents more than a marquee matchup – it signals our formal entry into the fight world and the direction we are headed as a company.”

— Erroll Angara, Co-Founder, COO of Indistry (Yardbarker)

“I am excited about the opportunity to work with Manny Pacquiao, a true Hall of Famer.”

— Arthur Pelullo, President of Banner Promotions (Yardbarker)

What’s next

Ticket sales for the Pacquiao-Provodnikov exhibition bout are already underway, with the fight set to take place on April 18 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

Manny Pacquiao's return to the ring, even in an exhibition format, is a major event in the boxing world. His matchup with fellow former champion Ruslan Provodnikov is sure to generate significant interest from fans and marks a new chapter for the promotion companies involved.