The search for Pacquiao’s next adversary has taken several twists over the past year. Earlier in the planning stages, the 47-year-old legend had been heavily touted to feature on the blockbuster Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua undercard, a massive event scheduled to take place next month in Cardiff, Wales. In the initial phases of discussion, boxing pundits and promoters tossed around names of retired contemporaries and former rivals, with fighters such as Amir Khan and Danny Garcia frequently mentioned as potential legacy dance partners for an exhibition or professional comeback bout.
As fight night drew closer and promotional realities set in, the landscape of potential opponents shifted dramatically. Organizers and matchmakers began looking toward active fighters rather than retired names to fill the slot. Rumours rapidly gained traction linking Pacquiao to a host of active contenders, with two-time IBF super-featherweight world champion Joe Cordina emerging prominently as the front-runner. Cordina publicly acknowledged that he had been offered the opportunity to share the ring with the former eight-division world champion as part of the star-studded undercard supporting the heavyweight clash between Joshua and Fury in Cardiff.
Yet, amidst the revolving door of potential opponents and rumored matchups, Paulie Malignaggi stepped forward to express his strong interest in facing the Filipino senator, only to find himself completely sidelined. Speaking candidly during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Malignaggi did not hold back his frustrations regarding Pacquiao’s matchmaking strategy, accusing the legendary southpaw of deliberately steering clear of anyone who might offer a genuine stylistic challenge or vocal opposition.
According to Malignaggi, Pacquiao’s camp has orchestrated his return in a way that avoids risk while still commanding global attention. Pointing to the stark differences in their physical dimensions and fighting weights, the former world champion argued that Pacquiao is intentionally seeking out smaller fighters just to secure an active fight night. Malignaggi pulled no punches when describing the situation to Ariel Helwani, expressing his disbelief at the direction of Pacquiao’s latest career chapter.
In his interview, Malignaggi remarked that Pacquiao was returning to the sport specifically looking to fight anyone on earth except for him. He emphasized that despite his advanced age, the Filipino icon was meticulously vetting his opponents to maintain a favorable environment. Malignaggi noted with pointed irony that Pacquiao was reportedly looking to step into the ring with a fighter significantly smaller than him simply to ensure a manageable bout, highlighting a perceived reluctance to face legitimate welterweights or fighters with the tactical experience to expose lingering weaknesses.
Malignaggi further elaborated on his willingness to step up, noting that he has kept himself in the public eye, stayed active, and openly put his name forward for the bout. Despite these public challenges, he claimed that Pacquiao and his promotional team refuse to even acknowledge his existence or utter his name in media appearances. In Malignaggi’s view, this silence is strategic. He believes that his outspoken commentary regarding Pacquiao’s past performances and current capabilities makes him an undesirable opponent for a promotional tour that relies on a carefully curated narrative of an unblemished, triumphant return. By ignoring him, Malignaggi suggests, the camp avoids having critical truths spewed out during the promotion, keeping the spotlight safely away from uncomfortable questions.
Despite all the early excitement, the anticipated Cardiff showcase will ultimately have to move forward without the legendary Filipino star. In a disappointing turn of events for boxing purists and fans hoping to witness another chapter in Pacquiao’s storied career, it has been confirmed that Pacquiao will no longer appear on the upcoming Fury-Joshua undercard. The sudden shift leaves the status of Pacquiao’s 2026 campaign once again up in the air as his team weighs alternative dates, venues, and opponents for a future return.
Meanwhile, Paulie Malignaggi has turned his full attention toward his own upcoming combat sports engagement. Rather than waiting around for a matchup with the Filipino icon that may never materialize, Malignaggi is preparing to step into a different kind of combat environment. He is scheduled to take part in an intense bare-knuckle clash against former WBC welterweight world champion Victor Ortiz, with the eagerly anticipated collision set to take place on Saturday, December 5.
