The highly anticipated, though controversial, super fight between boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and undefeated WBO junior welterweight champion Shakur Stevenson will not be happening. Zuffa Boxing representative Dana White emphatically denied that such a bout was ever seriously on the table during a September 26, 2026, press conference following Zuffa Boxing 11.
This revelation swiftly followed reports from boxing journalist Dan Rafael, indicating that an offer had been extended to WBA super-lightweight champion Gary Antuanne Russell for a unification bout against Stevenson, charting a new course for the young star.
White dismisses Shakur Stevenson reports
The proposed matchup between the 47-year-old Filipino icon, Manny Pacquiao, and the 29-year-old American prodigy, Shakur Stevenson, had stirred considerable debate among fans and analysts alike. It was originally rumored as the co-main event for the much-hyped Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua heavyweight clash in Cardiff, set for December 11, 2026.
However, White’s clear denial has put an end to that speculation, redirecting Stevenson’s immediate future towards a significant title unification opportunity.
During the Zuffa Boxing 11 post-fight press conference in London, Dana White left no room for ambiguity regarding the rumored Manny Pacquiao vs. Shakur Stevenson fight. When pressed by reporters, White stated definitively, “That’s not true. I don’t know where that came from,” effectively quashing what many considered an unlikely, if intriguing, contest.
The news came after weeks of whispers that the fight was close to being finalized. Sources had suggested that a deal could replace Pacquiao’s previously postponed rematch with Floyd Mayweather, marking the Filipino legend’s return to the ring after a draw with then-WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in July 2025.
But White’s remarks underscore the significant disconnect between widespread media speculation and the reality of Zuffa Boxing’s plans for its top fighter.
White, who co-founded Zuffa Boxing in 2025, has been instrumental in shaping Stevenson’s career trajectory since the undefeated boxer signed with the promotion on July 9, 2026. His clear dismissal suggests that any discussions regarding Pacquiao were either premature or entirely unfounded from Zuffa Boxing’s perspective.
Stevenson shifts focus to unification with Russell
As the Pacquiao rumors dissipated, a new, more logical opponent emerged for Shakur Stevenson. Veteran boxing reporter Dan Rafael broke the news that an offer has been sent to Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) to arrange a unification bout between Stevenson and WBA super-lightweight champion Gary Antuanne Russell.
This potential clash would see Stevenson, the reigning WBO junior welterweight champion, face off against another formidable, talented champion. Russell, with a professional record of 18-1 (17 KOs), captured his WBA title by defeating José Valenzuela via unanimous decision in March 2025 and has successfully defended it once against Andy Hiraoka.
Such a fight aligns far more closely with Stevenson’s ambitions to solidify his status as one of boxing’s pound-for-pound elite.
Stevenson himself wasted no time in publicly acknowledging the potential showdown. On September 26, 2026, he posted a direct message to Russell on social media, simply stating, “Gary Antuanne Russell let’s unify ☎️ ☎️☎️.”
This direct call-out highlights Stevenson’s eagerness for a meaningful challenge against a top-tier opponent in his weight class, moving past the speculation of an exhibition-like bout. Such open communication isn’t new for Stevenson, who has previously responded directly to Tim Bradley’s critiques.
The potential unification bout represents a significant step for Stevenson, who earned his WBO title with a masterclass performance against Teofimo Lopez in January 2026. Many critics have suggested that facing a significantly older Manny Pacquiao would have offered little to Stevenson’s growing legacy. Instead, a fight with Russell promises to be a competitive contest between two champions in their prime, offering genuine sporting intrigue.
The age gap and fan sentiment
The initial reports of a Pacquiao vs. Stevenson fight were met with a largely negative reaction from the boxing community. At 47 years old, Manny Pacquiao is nearly two decades older than Shakur Stevenson, who is 29. Many fans expressed concern that such a matchup would be a mismatch, exploiting Pacquiao’s legendary status while offering little competitive value.
Pacquiao, a true eight-division world champion, has not secured a victory since 2019. While his draw against Mario Barrios in 2025 showed flashes of his old brilliance, his age and ring rust were evident.
Analysts argued that Stevenson, known for his slick defensive style and technical prowess, would likely dominate an aging Pacquiao, resulting in a cautious 12-round affair that wouldn’t electrify crowds or enhance Stevenson’s standing against top contenders his own age.
The sentiment online and among boxing pundits was that a fight with Pacquiao would be a “no-win” situation for Stevenson. A dominant victory would be dismissed due to Pacquiao’s age, while any struggles would be amplified, potentially tarnishing Stevenson’s undefeated record and reputation. This collective sigh of relief from fans following White’s announcement underscores the community’s desire for competitive, compelling matchups rather than nostalgia-driven spectacles.
Pacquiao’s uncertain return and wider card doubts
With the Shakur Stevenson fight now off the table, Manny Pacquiao’s immediate future in the sport remains unclear. His planned return to boxing, originally envisioned as a rematch with Floyd Mayweather which later collapsed, aimed to see him fight again this year.
However, as 2026 draws to a close, a concrete opponent or fight date for Pacquiao has yet to materialize. His last official bout was the draw with Mario Barrios in July 2025, ending a nearly four-year retirement.
The uncertainty surrounding Pacquiao’s next move adds another layer of intrigue to the boxing landscape. The legend has consistently demonstrated an enduring passion for the sport, even amidst a distinguished political career in the Philippines. However, finding a suitable opponent that offers both a competitive challenge and commercial appeal, without risking his health against a much younger, elite fighter, is proving difficult.
Moreover, the entire December 11 card in Cardiff, which was set to feature Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua as the main event and where Pacquiao-Stevenson was rumored to co-main, has recently been thrown into doubt.
The exact reasons for this broader uncertainty haven’t been fully disclosed, but it further complicates the planning for any high-profile bouts on that date. This general instability only magnifies the challenge of securing a grand stage for Pacquiao’s potential comeback.
The boxing world continues to wait for definitive news on Pacquiao’s next opponent or whether he will step into the ring again before the year ends.
Implications for the junior welterweight division
The shift in Shakur Stevenson’s opponent dramatically impacts the junior welterweight division. Instead of a potentially legacy-building, but fraught, encounter with an icon, Stevenson is now poised for a legitimate unification bout. This development signals a clear intent from Zuffa Boxing to pursue meaningful championships and establish Stevenson as the undisputed force in his weight class.
A fight with Gary Antuanne Russell would bring together two undefeated or near-undefeated champions, each holding a significant belt. Stevenson, with his 25-0 record, and Russell, at 18-1, represent the kind of high-stakes, competitive matchups that fans genuinely crave. This strategic pivot highlights Zuffa Boxing’s vision for Stevenson, prioritizing divisional dominance over crossover appeal against a past-prime legend.
The junior welterweight division is stacked with talent, and Stevenson’s pursuit of unification creates a compelling narrative. It could set the stage for further high-profile contests against other champions and top contenders, contributing significantly to the excitement and competitive integrity of the sport. This unification offer against Russell reinforces Stevenson’s commitment to challenging himself against elite-level competition.
