Pacquiao-Stevenson Talks Continue for Prospective Joshua-Fury Cardiff Undercard

Discussions regarding a potential clash between Manny Pacquiao and Shakur Stevenson remain active for the proposed Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury event in Cardiff, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The bout is being targeted as a co-feature for the stadium show, though neither fighter has received a formal bout agreement as of yet.

Lance Pugmire of BoxingScene reports that Netflix is pushing for the matchup to serve as part of a “double main event” on December 11 at Principality Stadium, with December 18 also under consideration. Pacquiao adviser Jas Mathur confirmed that financial terms for the 47-year-old legend are still being negotiated.

Significant hurdles remain before the contest can be finalized. The Cardiff event itself has not been officially announced, and the shift from the previously discussed Madison Square Garden venue requires restructuring the entire card around a new date and location.

The pairing would contrast two distinct drawing cards. Stevenson, 29, enters off a January victory over Teofimo Lopez and has since aligned with Zuffa Boxing. Pacquiao, who drew with Mario Barrios in his July 2025 return, retains a global appeal that transcends the sport, though his extended layoff and the nearly two-decade age gap would inevitably dominate pre-fight discourse.

A critical logistical question also looms: the contracted weight. Pacquiao’s recent bout took place at welterweight, while Stevenson has campaigned at lower divisions. No weight limit, round count, or title implications have been disclosed.

For now, the Pacquiao-Stevenson concept has survived the venue switch to Cardiff and retains a place in Netflix’s broadcast plans. However, until signed agreements reach both camps, the fight resides on the negotiation ledger rather than the confirmed undercard.

Pacquiao turns 48 on December 17; should the event land on December 18, Stevenson would face him one day after that milestone. Pacquiao captured his first world title in 1998, two years before Stevenson was born. That generational chasm complicates the competitive narrative: a decisive Stevenson victory offers diminished credit, while a cautious decision win might attract viewers via Pacquiao’s name but do little to elevate Stevenson’s standing.

While Pacquiao’s star power can guarantee a major event, translating that into a career-defining win for Stevenson is a separate challenge. The immediate prerequisite remains simple: both parties must agree to terms, and neither has yet been presented with a contract.

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