Manny Pacquiao vs Ruslan Provodnikov rules: Number of rounds and weight for exhibition bout

Manny Pacquiao and Ruslan Provodnikov will put their friendship to one side in spring.

The former Wild Card stablemates and long-time sparring partners are set to square off at the Thomas & Carter Center in Las Vegas on April 18.

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Pacquiao, 47, had been on the lookout for another professional contest in the wake of his comeback fight against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios last July.

‘PacMan’ stunned the boxing world by holding Barrios to a majority draw following a four-year hiatus from the ring.

While Barrios and Pacquiao verbally agreed to a rematch in the ring, the Filipino’s team opted to go another route.

Talks subsequently commenced with WBA welterweight titlist Rolly Romero, before Pacquiao’s handlers pivoted to Provodnikov.

Rules and weight class

Pacquiao and Provodnikov are set to compete in an exhibition bout, meaning it will not affect their professional records.

It remains unclear whether the contest will be scored, although this is traditionally not the case.

Fighters can, however, get their hand raised by stopping their opponent inside the distance.

The bout will take place over 10 three-minute rounds in the welterweight (147lbs) division.

What has been said?

Pacquiao: “I carry the Philippines with me every time I fight,” Pacquiao said in a press release.

“The support from my country and from fans around the world continues to inspire me.

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“Returning to Las Vegas means so much to me, and I’m excited to work with a team focused on creating a world-class experience for the fans.

“I’m coming back to give them a great fight — and I’m ready.”

Provodnikov’s promoter, Artie Pelullo, added: “I am excited about the opportunity to work with Manny Pacquiao, a true Hall of Famer,”

“Manny and Ruslan should have faced each other earlier in their careers, and it’s a shame it didn’t happen sooner, but at least we are getting it now.

“Both Manny and Ruslan are among the most exciting, fan-friendly and TV-friendly fighters of their generation.

“Manny and Ruslan never back down and never give an inch. Manny showed in his last fight with Barrios that, despite his age, he is still a world-class fighter.

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“Personally, I thought he won the fight and should be the WBC welterweight world champion.

“As far as Ruslan is concerned, Ruslan has always wanted to get either Pacquiao or (Floyd) Mayweather in the ring, and now the opportunity is here.

“I am confident that Ruslan will steal the show and rise to the occasion.”