Yet another big name has reportedly stepped forward and entered discussions to share the ring with legendary eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, as the Filipino icon prepares for what promises to be a high-profile return to professional boxing.
Pacquiao is reportedly set to return to competitive action in the near future, with a marquee placement on the blockbuster Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua card at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on December 11 seemingly serving as the destination for the boxing legend’s next major outing.
The Filipino superstar was last seen in the professional ring back in July 2025, when he engaged in a fiercely contested WBC welterweight title bout against Mario Barrios, which ultimately ended in a majority decision draw. Following that performance, Pacquiao spent the vast majority of 2026 heavily linked to a lucrative and long-awaited professional rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr., a potential sequel that would have revisited their historic and financially shattering 2015 encounter. While that specific blockbuster bout has ultimately failed to come to fruition, industry insiders indicate that broadcasting giant Netflix still has an outstanding commitment or obligation to feature Pacquiao in a forthcoming fight.
Earlier this week, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that former super-featherweight world champion Joe Cordina has already agreed to terms to face the living legend in this anticipated contest. However, Cordina is far from the only ambitious contender vying for the opportunity to test himself against the future Hall of Famer. Rising Irish welterweight contender Paddy Donovan has confirmed that he and his management team are also actively engaged in talks to secure the dream match-up.
Donovan revealed his pursuit of the fight during an interview with Total Boxing With Tris Dixon, explaining that the opportunity to face a fighter of Pacquiao’s stature is something he and his team are aggressively pursuing.
“We see Manny Pacquiao is looking for an active opponent. My manager, Keith O’Sullivan, has reached out to his team. They’ve been in talks about making the fight happen,” Donovan told Tris Dixon. “Look, it’s a long shot, it’d be great. Manny Pacquiao is a phenomenal fighter, is a legend of the sport, and it’d be dream come true to fight Manny. And I think, yeah, what a great fight it would be.”
Donovan’s career has been on an upward trajectory, marked by steady progression through the welterweight and super-lightweight ranks. The talented Irishman last stepped into the squared circle in September, delivering an impressive and decisive fourth-round stoppage victory over Tyrone McKenna. That statement win came just four months after Donovan earned a crucial victory over Karen Chukhadzhian on points, a triumph that elevated him to become the mandatory challenger for the IBF welterweight title.
Known within the boxing community as ‘The Real Deal’, Donovan previously challenged for the IBF belt when the title was vacant in September 2025. On that occasion, he suffered a narrow and hard-fought split decision loss in his high-stakes rematch with domestic rival Lewis Crocker. That competitive setback followed a controversial disqualification loss to Crocker earlier that same year, making Donovan eager to secure another major test against elite-level opposition to re-establish his championship momentum.
Despite his undeniable ambition and rising status in the division, securing the bout with Pacquiao remains a significant hurdle. Manny Pacquiao is now 47 years of age, while Donovan is two decades younger at 27. Given the vast disparity in their ages and the physical demands of modern championship boxing, Donovan would likely be installed as a formidable, dangerous favorite should the bout be formally made. Because of this daunting stylistic and physical matchup, boxing analysts suggest that ‘PacMan’ and his promotional handlers will likely weigh their options carefully and may ultimately look elsewhere for a less hazardous opponent if the Filipino legend is indeed locked in to compete on the heavily anticipated December Fury versus Joshua bill in Cardiff.
