Manny Pacquiao next fight: Paddy Donovan says team in talks for Cardiff

Ireland's Paddy Donovan says his manager has held talks with Manny Pacquiao's team about facing the 47-year-old at the Principality Stadium on 11 December, though the 27-year-old admits it is a long shot.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Sat 24 Oct, 15:10 UK · AI-assisted reporting

donovan on pacquiao graphic — Original graphic: Combat Sports UK

Paddy Donovan has put himself forward as an opponent for Manny Pacquiao, saying his team have been in talks with the Filipino's camp about a fight on 11 December.

Pacquiao is lined up to return at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on the Fury vs Joshua card, which will be shown on Netflix. That puts a British and Irish interest on both sides of the conversation: Donovan, a former IBF welterweight title challenger from Ireland, and Wales' Joe Cordina, whose name has also been raised as an option for a fight with Pacquiao in his home country.

Appearing on Total Boxing with Tris Dixon, Donovan said: “Manny Pacquiao is looking for an active opponent. My manager, Keith Sullivan, has reached out to his team.” He added: “They’ve been in talks about making the fight happen. Look, it’s a long shot. It’d be great. Manny Pacquiao’s a phenomenal fighter, a legend of the sport, and it’d be a dream come true to fight Manny.” When Cordina was put to him as a rival for the slot, Donovan made his own case, describing himself as an Irishman close to a world title shot and saying Pacquiao probably needs a win to get back among the world champions.

He said: “Whatever he [Pacquiao] decides, I just want to let him know that I’m free and I’m available and I’d give him a good fight.” Pacquiao was first linked to a fight with Shakur Stevenson before more names entered the running. He has not won since beating Keith Thurman by split decision in 2019, and The Ring's Mike Coppinger has suggested that a fight with Donovan might make more sense for him at this stage.