After promising big things, Manny Pacquiao has settled for what he can get. Boxing’s only eight-division world champion had previously announced that he would return to the squared circle on January 24. His sights were set on names like rival Floyd Mayweather and WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero. However, that date came and went.

Now, ‘Pacman’ doesn’t want to wait any longer. This past Tuesday, event organizers Indistry Media and Arthur Pelullo’s Banner Promotions revealed who the 47-year-old will be fighting next. The Filipino boxing legend will face former WBO super lightweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov, who hasn’t fought since his defeat to John Molina Jr. in June 2016. 

The 10-round welterweight exhibition bout is scheduled for April 18 at the Thomas and Mark Center in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix shared further details about how the fight came together.

“Investors in this fight have been hunting for a Pacquiao opponent for months,” Mannix shared on X. “Juan Manuel Marquez, Tim Bradley both turned them down, per sources. Provodnikov, 42, who has not fought since 2016, gets the call.” 

‘Pacman’ was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June last year. And one month later, in July, Manny Pacquiao ended his four-year retirement to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. However, he couldn’t produce a win, settling for a majority draw. In December, he turned 47, and despite his age, Pacquiao is focused on entertaining his fans. 

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“I carry the Philippines with me every time I fight,” said Pacquiao in a statement. “Support from my country and fans around the world continues to inspire me. 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.”

Meanwhile, Ruslan Provodnikov, who is now 42 years old, hung up his gloves in 2016 after he lost four out of his last seven fights. Although he might not be as popular among fans as some others, he made his presence known with his 2013 Fight Of The Year performance against Timothy Bradley. 

Regardless, when fans discovered the news, excited wouldn’t be the word to describe them. 

Manny Pacquiao vs. Ruslan Provodnikov branded a ‘carnival’

‘Pacman’ was once a beloved boxer, not just in his native Philippines, but also in the States. However, this comment expresses the growing disdain toward Pacquiao’s fights. “Zero interest in these continued carnivals. Lemme guess, Netflix?! This sport needs to turn the page,” the user commented. As of the time of writing, no official broadcast partner has been announced. 

Meanwhile, this user wasn’t happy about the choice of opponent. “Rolly was a better fight, he woulda got stopped in that one tho,” the user wrote. Interestingly, even Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, who surprisingly defeated Ryan Garcia last year, was ready to put his title on the line.

The next user felt bad for ‘Pacman.’ “Manny Pacquiao, who is now a grandfather and still has to fight after 30 years as a professional, is crazy,” the user wrote. Pacquiao’s son Emmanuel Pacquiao Jr. and his partner Carolina welcomed their first child, Clara, just days before Emmanuel’s boxing debut, which was a majority draw. 

Someone else grew curious about why Pacquiao is still fighting. “Does he owe someone money?” the user asked. Although Pacquiao claims he doesn’t need money, he ran for Senate in the 2025 midterm elections and performed poorly. In the Philippines, such campaigns can be expensive, but there’s no indication that ‘Pacman’ has run out of wealth.

Another user had a theory about why Manny Pacquiao was fighting Provodnikov. “All of this will lead to a Mayweather vs Pacquiao rematch,” the user claimed. Since Floyd Mayweather is facing multiple lawsuits, he could definitely use the massive purse if he ends up fighting Pacquiao in a rematch.

The public clearly has made up its mind about the Manny Pacquiao vs. Ruslan Provodnikov exhibition. But do you feel the same way? Does a 47-year-old boxing legend really have to fight to cement his legacy? Or is Pacquiao struggling financially behind the scenes?