Manny Pacquiao to return to the ring, sets sights on Cordina

Manila Times - Oct 23, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is far from over in stepping out of the ring as he could possibly fight former World Champion Joe Cordina on the undercard of the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua heavyweight clash. Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that talks for a Pacquiao fight on the undercard are well advanced. “We’ve agreed terms to face Pacquiao, but we don’t know if it’s happening,” Hearn said at a media event on Thursday. “From our side, we’ve agreed to do it.” The 47-year-old Pacquiao, owner of 12 major world titles, across eight different weight divisions, last fought against Mario Barrios where the match ended on a draw last July 2025. Cordina, a former IBF super-featherweight champion, was due to fight American Abdullah Mason for the WBO lightweight title in Cleveland in July, but he was denied a US visa. This would be Pacquiao’s first fight against a British opponent since he beat Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas in 2009. Pacquiao made headlines before on his scheduled rematch against Floyd Mayweather but that bout was postponed indefinitely in June.

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Hamilton sets sights on racing in African grand prix

AUSTIN, United States — Lewis Hamilton on Thursday welcomed Formula One’s decision to return to Africa, but revealed reservations over the choice of Rwanda to host the continent’s first Grand Prix in more than three decades. The seven-time world champion also said he wanted to stay in F1 racing into his forties to make sure he can fulfil his dream of racing in an African Grand Prix. Speaking to reporters ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, the Ferrari driver said he was aware of concerns regarding Rwanda and said they should not be overlooked. "Of course, I don’t get to choose where we go and, naturally, there’s problems all over the world today,” he said. “I’ve seen many of the stories, but I think we really have to approach it with humility.” Formula One announced a 10-year agreement to race in Rwanda last week with the race set to join the calendar after a circuit has been built in the early 2030s. The last time an F1 race was held in Africa was the 33rd South African Grand Prix near Johannesburg in 1993 when Hamilton was just eight years old. "There’s a lot that we don’t know,” added Hamilton who has called for a return to Africa for many years. “Growing up in England, they never taught us anything about Africa. It needs to be on the curriculum… "A lot of the problems they have there are still the results of colonialism and the west intervening, but if you see the people, you see so many designs that are out there today. Top brands come from Africa, and it’s got all the richest resources. "I really hope, and I still have hopes, that Africa unites. I know there’s many people that don’t want that to happen -- because they would be so powerful if they did, but I’m still hopeful that at some stage they will. "And, of course, going doesn’t mean that you neglect the things that are happening there. "So hopefully many people start to educate themselves a little more about what is happening, what has happened for hundreds of years and I hope that does spark the conversation.” Hamilton, who warmly praised runaway championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes as he sat alongside him at a news conference, revealed also that he hopes to continue racing into his mid-forties. "I’m looking forward to racing with him longer. I mean, I’m now forced to have to stay a lot longer because we have a race in Africa -- and that’s been my dream, to be able to race in Africa.” "So, you’ve got time,” said the 20-year-old Italian. “You’ve got to do at least the first one.” "Yeah,” replied Hamilton. “I have to keep fighting to try and stay fit if I can. If I can still punch out good results over the next year, we’ll keep it going.”