Manny Pacquiao is expected to return to the ring before the end of 2026, with an exhibition fight currently considered the most likely option.
Pacquiao’s team still intends to pursue a rematch with Floyd Mayweather, but contractual and legal issues involving Mayweather have reportedly pushed the proposed fight back to 2027.
Manny Pacquiao Promotions CEO Jas Mathur said the plan is for Pacquiao to compete once this year before moving toward the Mayweather rematch.
“There is a plan to have a fight for this year and then to roll into next year for the big fight,” Mathur said.
No opponent has been finalized, although Pacquiao’s team is working on several possibilities for the fourth quarter. Former WBO super lightweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov may remain an option after an earlier exhibition between the pair failed to materialize.
Pacquiao last fought professionally in 2025, returning from nearly four years of inactivity to earn a majority draw against then-WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
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