Mathur states that Pacquiao’s exhibition match with Provodnikov is not scheduled.
Manny Pacquiao has not yet confirmed an exhibition match prior to his eagerly awaited rematch with Floyd Mayweather on September 19, according to Jas Mathur, CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, who spoke to ESPN on Tuesday.
Banner Promotions, which represents retired former junior welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov, issued a press release last week stating that Pacquiao is set to return to the ring on April 18 to compete against Provodnikov in a 10-round exhibition at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Mathur acknowledged that the exhibition bout with Provodnikov was being considered, but he informed ESPN that it is “not official,” even though tickets for the event are available for purchase on Pacquiao’s website.
“It’s not official; otherwise, you would have seen much more announced by Manny himself,” Mathur told ESPN. “I would have also been involved in that, and it is simply not official.”
Mathur indicated that it is also possible that Pacquiao may not face Provodnikov at all before the Mayweather match. Provodnikov has not participated in a fight since 2016.
“Will there be another exhibition potentially for Manny before the Mayweather fight? Yes, there will,” Mathur stated. “I can’t confirm if it will be that one or if it will be something different, but as of now, that specific fight is not finalized.”
The Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch, which was announced on Monday, is scheduled to occur at the Sphere in Las Vegas and will be streamed worldwide on Netflix. While Pacquiao evaluates his options regarding a potential bout before September 19, Mayweather is preparing to face Mike Tyson in an exhibition this spring, although no date, location, or network has been disclosed for that fight.
Pacquiao’s last fight took place in July 2025, when he came back from a four-year retirement and fought then-WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios to a majority draw.
