Manny Pacquiao is reportedly in advanced negotiations to return later this year, having not fought since his controversial draw with Mario Barrios in July 2025.
Back then, the Filipino legend was returning from a near four-year layoff after losing his WBA welterweight title and getting unanimously outpointed by Yordenis Ugas.
Against Barrios, however, Pacquiao came remarkably close to claiming the WBC strap at 147lbs, with many believing that he should have emerged victorious.
It is therefore unsurprising that the 47-year-old plans to extend his illustrious fighting career, despite much uncertainty surrounding his rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
The two Hall of Famers were supposed to square off later this month, only for Mayweather’s legal woes to rule him out of action.
According to Manny Pacquiao Promotions president Jas Mathur, the American is now attempting to reschedule his exhibition match with Mike Tyson for December, while remaining under contract to eventually honour his rematch with ‘Pac Man’.
Until then, though, Boxing Scene are reporting that Pacquiao is lining up a potential fight this year against four-division world champion Shakur Stevenson, who has not fought since his unanimous decision victory over Teofimo Lopez in January.
Having claimed the WBO super-lightweight title in dominant fashion, the American subsequently inked a deal with Dana White and is set to make his Zuffa Boxing debut later this year.
If he is to face Pacquiao, then Stevenson would likely need to jump up to 147lbs, yet nothing has been confirmed regarding a date or location for their potential showdown.
As for Pacquiao, it would seem that the eight-division world champion is hanging around just long enough to secure his shot at revenge against Mayweather, who won their 2015 encounter by unanimous decision.
