Pacquiao-Stevenson Still Alive for Cardiff Netflix Card

Manny Pacquiao and Shakur Stevenson remain in talks for a spot on the proposed Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury card in Cardiff, though neither fighter has signed a bout agreement. The fight is being discussed as a second marquee attraction alongside Joshua-Fury, with Netflix reportedly pushing for a "double main event" at Principality Stadium.

December 11 is the date currently under consideration for the show, with December 18 floated as a backup. Pacquiao's financial terms are still being worked out, and the Cardiff event itself has not been formally announced. Moving Joshua-Fury away from the previously discussed Madison Square Garden setting means the entire undercard, including Pacquiao-Stevenson, has to be built around a new venue and date.

Why Pacquiao-Stevenson Makes Sense for Netflix, Not for the Scorecards

Pacquiao-Stevenson pairs boxing's biggest name with one of its best current operators, but the ages involved make it a tough sell as a real fight. Pacquiao turns 48 on December 17, meaning if the bout lands on December 18 he'd be fighting one day after his birthday against a 29 year old who wasn't yet two years old when Pacquiao won his first world title in 1998. Stevenson is coming off a January decision win over Teofimo Lopez and has since signed with Zuffa Boxing, while Pacquiao's last outing was a July 2025 draw with Mario Barrios in his comeback fight at welterweight.

The weight itself is unresolved. Pacquiao returned at welterweight against Barrios, but Stevenson has spent his recent career at lighter weights, and no weight, round count, or title terms have been set for a potential matchup.

What's Actually at Stake for Stevenson

Stevenson has little to gain and plenty to lose in a fight like this from a legacy standpoint. A lopsided win over a fighter nearly two decades his senior won't add much to his resume, and a cautious decision would do more to spotlight Pacquiao's drawing power than Stevenson's skill. The appeal here is Pacquiao's name recognition pulling a broad audience to Netflix, not a competitive litmus test for Stevenson.

Betting Angle

Nothing is official enough yet to price with confidence, since neither fighter has a signed bout agreement and even the card's date and host city are still moving pieces. Once terms are finalized, expect the number to open heavily in Stevenson's favor given the age gap and his sharper recent form, with the real betting interest likely centered on whether Pacquiao can go the distance rather than on the outright winner. Until agreements are in place, this stays a fight to track rather than one to price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Manny Pacquiao vs Shakur Stevenson fight official?

No. As of now, Manny Pacquiao and Shakur Stevenson remain in talks for a possible bout on the proposed Cardiff card, but neither fighter has signed a bout agreement.

When would Pacquiao vs Stevenson happen?

The fight is being discussed for the same Cardiff show as Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury, with December 11 the leading date under consideration and December 18 also possible.

What weight class would Pacquiao and Stevenson fight at?

That has not been determined. Manny Pacquiao's last fight, a draw with Mario Barrios in July 2025, came at welterweight, while Shakur Stevenson's recent bouts have been at lighter weights.