Manny Pacquiao to return to the ring, sets sights on Cordina

Oct 23, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is far from over in stepping out of the ring as he could possibly fight former World Champion Joe Cordina on the undercard of the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua heavyweight clash. Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that talks for a Pacquiao fight on the undercard are well advanced. “We’ve agreed terms to face Pacquiao, but we don’t know if it’s happening,” Hearn said at a media event on Thursday. “From our side, we’ve agreed to do it.” The 47-year-old Pacquiao, owner of 12 major world titles, across eight different weight divisions, last fought against Mario Barrios where the match ended on a draw last July 2025. Cordina, a former IBF super-featherweight champion, was due to fight American Abdullah Mason for the WBO lightweight title in Cleveland in July, but he was denied a US visa. This would be Pacquiao’s first fight against a British opponent since he beat Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas in 2009. Pacquiao made headlines before on his scheduled rematch against Floyd Mayweather but that bout was postponed indefinitely in June.

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