Manny Pacquiao Remains an Option for Joshua vs. Fury Fight Card

Saudi Arabia's seemingly limitless boxing war chest is showing its first signs of financial restraint following the decision to pull Shakur Stevenson from a proposed clash with Manny Pacquiao on December 11.

Discussions were previously underway for a blockbuster double-header in Cardiff, Wales, with the pair serving as chief support to the heavyweight mega-fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. However, the focus has now shifted entirely to securing Pacquiao in the co-main event, while Stevenson will be redirected to a separate card.

The push to feature eight-division world champion Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) comes directly from streaming giant Netflix and Saudi event organizers Sela. Yet, despite the massive budget, strict financial caps have been imposed, ruling out eight-figure paydays for two additional fighters on the same bill alongside the astronomical purses committed to Joshua and Fury.

The change of direction caused confusion among the negotiating parties after Zuffa Boxing chief Dana White dismissed reports of a fight between the Filipino legend and Stevenson during a press conference in the UK. However, sources close to Pacquiao insist he had already received a formal offer to face Stevenson and returned a counter-proposal following talks with Zuffa Boxing executives.

Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs), a US Olympic silver medalist, was signed earlier this year as the marquee name in White's boxing venture. Saudi investor Turki Alalshikh holds a 60 percent stake in Zuffa Boxing, but friction between White and Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn over promotional rights for the Cardiff show appears to have sidelined the UFC boss. Hearn maintains his contract strictly bars any involvement from Zuffa Boxing representatives in promoting the event.

Netflix remains determined to include Pacquiao due to his immense star power in Asia and worldwide, which would guarantee substantial global viewership. While his next opponent remains unconfirmed, IBF junior welterweight champion Liam Paro has been ruled out, with former world champions Danny Garcia and Amir Khan among the names currently being considered.