Pacquio promises 'great fight' against Provodnikov in Las Vegas exhibition

A scene in Manny Pacquiao's title bout against Mario Barrios in his comeback fight after a four-year hiatus in July 2025, holding that time's reigning world welterweight champion to a majority draw. (Photo: Manny Pacquiao/Instagram)

Manny Pacquiao vowed to treat Filipinos to an exciting bout as he returns to the boxing ring.

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‎The former eight-division world champion is set to face Russia's Ruslan Provodnikov in an exhibition match in Las Vegas on April 18.

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‎“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,” said Pacquiao in a statement, as quoted by international news agency Reuters.

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‎“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,” he added.

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‎Last July, the once pound-for-pound king ended a four-year retirement with a controversial majority draw against then-WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

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‎Many fans and analysts claimed that Pacquiao had won the bout, saying he put up a respectable showing with his speed, combination, and IQ despite being 46 years old at that time.

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‎He will pit his record of 62 wins (39 by knockout), eight losses, and two draws against Provodnikov, who once became his sparring partner. Both trained under Hall of Fame coach Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym.

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Manny Pacquiao once sparred with Ruslan Provodnikov, particularly in his preparation for Timothy Bradley. (Photo: Ruslan Provodnikov/X)

‎Provodnikov, also known as the “Siberian Rocky,” had 25 wins (18 knockouts) to go along with five losses, and a former world light welterweight champion.

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‎In his prime, analysts described him as an all-action brawler who brings excitement to fights with relentless pressure, toughness, and power. His 2013 showdown against Timothy Bradley was widely touted for its intensity.

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‎To recall, Pacquiao also fought Bradley in a trilogy from 2012 to 2016 with Saranggani's fighting pride winning the last two bouts via unanimous decision.

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‎Former world boxing champion Grigory Drozd, meanwhile, claimed that the exhibition bout will still garner attention “just for the names alone.”

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‎“I don't know why they picked Provodnikov specifically. Maybe Pacquiao still craves that ring excitement. For Ruslan, the biggest motivation is clearly the paycheck. Big competitive ambitions aren't really part of the picture anymore. We get these exhibition fights every year or every couple of years. But with Pacquiao's name attached, it'll carry some real weight,” he said in an exclusive interview with Telecom Asia Sport.