Pacquiao v Stevenson remains in talks for proposed Joshua–Fury Cardiff card

Negotiations

Netflix reportedly pushing Pacquiao–Stevenson as a double main-event for Cardiff

BoxingScene’s Lance Pugmire reports that two people connected to the talks say Netflix wants Manny Pacquiao against Shakur Stevenson as part of a “double main event” on the proposed Anthony Joshua–Tyson Fury card. December 11 at the Principality Stadium is currently under consideration, with December 18 also possible. The Cardiff show itself has yet to be formally announced. The reported shift away from a previously discussed Madison Square Garden setting would require assembling the rest of the card around a different venue and date.

Status

Neither fighter has received a bout agreement; financial terms still being discussed

According to the report, neither Pacquiao nor Stevenson has been sent a bout agreement. Pacquiao’s adviser Jas Mathur told BoxingScene that Pacquiao’s financial terms are still being negotiated. The story makes clear that significant details remain unsettled — including fight agreements, weight, number of rounds and any title terms — and that agreements with both men would be decisive before the matchup can be considered confirmed.

Fighter context

Contrasting recent runs: Stevenson’s January win and Pacquiao’s 2025 return

The proposed pairing would bring two very different attractions. Shakur Stevenson, 29, recently beat Teofimo Lopez in January and has since signed with Zuffa Boxing. Manny Pacquiao, 47, returned in July 2025 and drew with Mario Barrios. Pacquiao’s name carries broad commercial reach, while Stevenson’s recent move to Zuffa and his win over Lopez are notable points in his campaign. The report underlines that those contrasting profiles factor into discussions about how the bout would be presented and promoted.

Outstanding questions

Weight, rounds and competitive balance remain unresolved

Practical issues remain unresolved: Pacquiao’s 2025 return was at welterweight, while Stevenson’s recent fights have been at lighter weights, and no contracted weight or number of rounds has been announced. The age gap is also a talking point — Pacquiao turns 48 on December 17, meaning a December 18 date would come a day after his birthday — and BoxingScene noted questions about how the matchup would be judged competitively and commercially. For now, the bout belongs on the list of fights being negotiated rather than the confirmed undercard for Joshua–Fury.