Pacquiao vs Stevenson Fight Off as Russell Offered Unification Bout

Reports last week indicated that Manny Pacquiao and Shakur Stevenson were nearing an agreement to headline the Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua card in Cardiff as part of a co-main event.

The contest would have marked Pacquiao’s first bout since a draw with former WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, stepping in as a replacement for his postponed rematch with Floyd Mayweather.

Public reaction to the pairing was largely unfavorable due to the significant age disparity and Stevenson’s standing among the elite active fighters in the sport. Consequently, news of the bout’s cancellation has been met with relief by many observers.

During Wednesday’s Zuffa Boxing 11 post-fight press conference, Stevenson’s promoter Dana White confirmed that the matchup had never actually been finalized.

“That’s not true. I don’t know where that came from.”

Concurrently, Dan Rafael reported that an offer has been extended to WBA super-lightweight champion Gary Antuanne Russell for a unification clash with WBO champion Stevenson.

Per source, @Zuffa_Boxing has now contacted PBC to make an offer for @AntuanneRussell to unify with @ShakurStevenson. #boxing

— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) September 26, 2026

Russell captured the WBA super-lightweight title by unanimous decision over José Valenzuela in March 2025 and has since successfully defended it once against Andy Hiraoka, again winning on points.

Stevenson, who secured his WBO title with a dominant performance against Teofimo Lopez in January, subsequently sent Russell a personal message following the offer.

Gary Antuanne Russell let’s unify

— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) September 26, 2026

It remains unclear whether the proposed December 11 card in Cardiff will proceed, especially given that the broader Fury-Joshua event has recently been thrown into doubt.

As for Pacquiao, his plans for any further bouts this year — originally contingent on the Mayweather rematch — remain uncertain.

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