Manny Pacquiao to Target December 11 Fight Against Cordina
Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed negotiations for a bout between Manny Pacquiao and Joe Cordina.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Boxing
Live Poll
Would you watch a professional athlete return to competition near the age of 50?
Promoter Eddie Hearn is negotiating a potential boxing match between Manny Pacquiao and Joe Cordina for December 11, 2026. The proposed contest could serve as an undercard event for the upcoming Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua fight.
Why it matters
A fight on the Fury-Joshua card would be a significant showcase for the 48-year-old Pacquiao, who last competed in a July 2025 draw against Mario Barrios. The matchup offers a high-profile return for the boxing legend while providing a new opportunity for Cordina, the former IBF super-featherweight champion.
Manny Pacquiao will reach the age of 48 in December, aiming to return after his July 2025 draw against Mario Barrios. His opponent, Joe Cordina, remains a former IBF super-featherweight champion.
The players
Manny Pacquiao
He is a legendary Filipino professional boxer who has won world titles in multiple weight divisions throughout his career.
Joe Cordina
He is a professional boxer from Great Britain and a former IBF super-featherweight champion.
Eddie Hearn
He is a prominent British boxing promoter and the chairman of Matchroom Sport.
Tyson Fury
He is a high-profile British heavyweight professional boxer and former world champion.
Anthony Joshua
He is a celebrated British heavyweight boxer who has held multiple world championship titles.
The details
Talks are currently underway to secure the bout, with Eddie Hearn stating that terms have been agreed upon from his side. The potential fight comes after Cordina was previously denied a U.S. visa for a July 2026 match against Abdullah Mason, and follows the indefinite postponement of a proposed Pacquiao versus Floyd Mayweather rematch in June 2026.
Timeline
2009: Manny Pacquiao defeated Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas.
July 2025: Pacquiao fought Mario Barrios to a draw.
June 2026: The proposed Pacquiao vs. Mayweather rematch was postponed indefinitely.
July 2026: Joe Cordina was denied a U.S. visa for a bout against Abdullah Mason.
December 11, 2026: The potential date for the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Joe Cordina.
Season Trajectory
The bout aligns with the ongoing trend of packaging legendary fighters on the undercards of major heavyweight title clashes. This strategy positions the fight to reach a broader global audience than a standalone contest might attract.
Adding this bout to the December 11, 2026 card increases the value for ticket holders and pay-per-view buyers of the Fury-Joshua event. Fans should monitor official announcements to confirm if the match is officially added to the final broadcast rotation.
The takeaway
The potential return of a boxing legend on a major heavyweight card highlights the continued commercial draw of established stars. Fans looking to follow the sport should keep an eye on upcoming promoter announcements to confirm the final lineup for this high-profile event.
Further reading
Stay updated on the latest developments in Boxing for more match announcements.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
Live Poll
Would you watch a professional athlete return to competition near the age of 50?
