The potential homecoming card has generated immense excitement across the global boxing community, primarily due to Pacquiao’s enduring popularity and the sheer magnitude of a Fury-Joshua joint headliner. For Pacquiao, the rumored December 11 date represents another chapter in a storied career that has continually defied conventional timelines. The Filipino legend has not stepped into a competitive professional ring since July 2025, when he made headlines by ending a near four-year layoff. In that outing, he delivered a resilient performance against then-WBC champion Mario Barrios, boxing his way to a hard-fought majority draw that proved the veteran still possessed much of his trademark speed and competitive drive.
Following that encouraging return, the stage appeared set for Pacquiao to lock horns with his old rival Floyd Mayweather last September in a much-anticipated exhibition rematch. However, plans for that lucrative encounter hit a major roadblock when the bout was abruptly removed from the Netflix schedule, leaving fans wondering when—and if—Pacquiao would grace the squared circle again.
Despite the setback with the Mayweather rematch, it appears that the streaming juggernaut remains firmly committed to featuring Pacquiao in a high-profile capacity. According to recent reports, the platform is keen for the former eight-division world champion to headline or co-feature on the December 11 card, offering him an alternative opportunity to showcase his skills to a massive global audience.
Initial whispers surrounding the vacant spot on the card pointed toward American star Shakur Stevenson as a potential dancing partner for the veteran. However, as negotiations have evolved and logistical considerations have come to the forefront, Welsh standout Joe Cordina has emerged as a widely discussed and increasingly viable option for the welterweight contest.
Bringing the bout to Cardiff’s Principality Stadium would add a dramatic layer of local significance if Cordina is ultimately selected to share the ring with the iconic visitor. The Welshman has been navigating a turbulent period outside the ropes that has temporarily stalled his momentum in the sport. Cordina was originally scheduled to challenge WBO lightweight champion Abdullah Mason in a high-stakes showdown in July, but the bout was derailed after a scheduled court date interfered with his ability to secure a US visa.
Having subsequently appeared in court, Cordina has maintained his complete innocence regarding an outstanding assault charge. The legal proceedings have required patience, with the former champion remaining on trial while awaiting the final verdict from the presiding judge, which is officially scheduled to be delivered on October 20. The resolution of this legal matter will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in finalizing his availability and readiness for a December appearance.
Amidst the speculation, promoter Eddie Hearn recently shed light on the matchmaking discussions during an interview with IFL TV, confirming that several names have been floated as viable adversaries for Pacquiao’s return. Alongside Cordina, Hearn revealed that other notable domestic contenders, including Lewis Crocker and Conah Walker, have also been tossed into the mix during internal exploratory talks.
Offering insight into the ongoing deliberations, Hearn noted to IFL TV that when discussions regarding Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent were underway, he personally threw names like Lewis Crocker and Conah Walker into the mix, alongside the possibility of securing Joe Cordina.
However, scheduling conflicts and existing commitments among the alternative candidates appear to heavily favor Cordina as the frontrunner for the December date. Current boxing schedules reveal that former world champion Crocker is already locked in for a high-profile domestic clash against Owen Cooper, which is scheduled to take place on December 19. Similarly, Conah Walker is tied up with his own rigorous training camp and fight preparations, as he prepares to collide with Alexis Rocha on December 5.
With Crocker and Walker committed to their respective bouts earlier in the month and just days before the rumored December 11 event, their availability for a grueling training camp and a fight of this magnitude becomes practically unfeasible. Consequently, of the three names mentioned by Hearn, Joe Cordina now represents the most logical and logistically probable opponent for Pacquiao, provided his legal proceedings conclude favorably and clear the path for a triumphant return to the ring in the Welsh capital.
