Manny Pacquiao's Next Move: Exhibition Fight Planned as Mayweather Rematch Delayed

Manny Pacquiao's team has confirmed that the boxing legend will fight again before his rematch with Floyd Mayweather, which has been postponed to 2027. Pacquiao, who returned to the ring in 2025 after a four-year hiatus, fought Mario Barrios to a majority draw in an attempt to reclaim his title as the oldest welterweight champion.

According to Jas Mathur, CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, there are plans for Pacquiao to step back into the ring later this 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,” Mathur stated, emphasizing the excitement surrounding a potential rematch.

While no opponent has been confirmed, an exhibition match is the most likely scenario, with Ruslan Provodnikov being a potential contender. Pacquiao's team is actively exploring options, aiming to finalize details for a fight in the fourth quarter of 2026.

This upcoming bout would serve as a crucial preparation step for the long-awaited Mayweather rematch, which both camps are targeting for 2027 amid ongoing contractual and legal complications on Mayweather's side.