Manny Pacquiao’s team have provided further insight into the boxing legend’s plans over the coming months, confirming that the Filipino icon is expected to fight again before his proposed rematch with Floyd Mayweather in 2027.
Pacquiao returned to professional boxing in 2025 after almost four years away, battling then WBC champion Mario Barrios to a majority draw in a bid to break his own record as the oldest welterweight world champion in history.
Since then, much of the attention has centred around a second meeting with long-time rival Mayweather, though that blockbuster has now been delayed until next year because of contractual and legal issues on the American’s side.
Rather than remain inactive, however, Pacquiao intends to step back into the ring before then.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Manny Pacquiao Promotions CEO Jas Mathur confirmed that the 46-year-old is still expected to fight before the end of the year.
“That’s the plan. There is a plan to have a fight for this year and then to roll into next year for the big [Mayweather] fight. Everybody wants to see Floyd and Manny one more time. That’s what’s going to break all records. That’s what’s going to be the most viewed event again, in today’s streaming era.”
Mathur then expanded on those plans, revealing that Pacquiao’s team are currently exploring several options, with an exhibition appearing the most likely outcome.
“We’re working on a few different fights right now for him. Presently there’s likely going to be an exhibition that we’re trying to put together in the fourth quarter of this year. Nobody is set, no opponent is set in stone yet. We’re still working on that.”
No opponent has been confirmed, although former WBO super-lightweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov may remain a possibility. The pair had previously been expected to meet in an exhibition earlier this year before those plans failed to materialise, leaving the door open to a potential rescheduling if terms can be agreed.
Should Pacquiao return before the end of the year, it would serve as the final step in his preparations for the long-awaited Mayweather rematch, which both camps continue to target for 2027.
