MANILA: Former eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao said on Wednesday he will fight former junior welterweight world champion Ruslan Provodnikov in Las Vegas on April 18, marking his second bout since ending a four-year retirement.
Pacquiao, 47, returned to the ring last July after a lengthy absence, earning a majority draw against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.“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,” Pacquiao said in a statement issued by Indistry Media and Banner Promotions.
“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 initially retired in 2021 before resuming his career last year. Outside the ring, he served in the Philippine Senate from 2016 to 2022 and ran unsuccessfully for president in 2022.
The Filipino great is the only boxer to have won world titles in eight divisions and became the oldest welterweight world champion at 40 in 2019. He has a professional record of 62 wins, eight losses and three draws from 73 fights.
