Manny Pacquiao will face former K-1 champion Rukiya Anpo in a three-round boxing exhibition at Super RIZIN 3 on July 28 in Saitama, Japan, after his original opponent, Chihiro Suzuki, withdrew.
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will now face former K-1 champion Rukiya Anpo. This three-round, 152-pound boxing exhibition is set for Super RIZIN 3 on July 28 in Saitama, Japan.
The promotion did not reveal why Pacquiao’s original opponent, RIZIN featherweight champion Chihiro Suzuki, withdrew from the match.
Pacquiao won 62 of his 72 professional boxing matches. He claimed and defended titles in multiple weight classes. For years, he’s mentioned the possibility of competing inside the RIZIN ring.
Anpo, with a record of 0-1 in MMA, holds a professional kickboxing record of 27-8-1. He scored knockouts in 14 of his victories and won the K-1 super lightweight championship.
“I heard that my opponent has changed, but of course, no problem,” Pacquiao stated in a release. “I was looking forward to facing Chihiro Suzuki after seeing his fearless attitude at Yoyogi the other day. But if it’s due to injury, it can’t be helped. Injuries are part of being a fighter; please convey my best wishes to Chihiro for a speedy recovery.”
“To Rukiya Anpo, who has stepped up as my new opponent: thank you for not being afraid to challenge me. I will show you that boxing is noble, fantastic, and above all, very challenging. I look forward to July 28th.”
Super RIZIN 3 will be headlined by a featherweight showdown between Mikuru Asakura and Ren Hiramoto. The winner could earn a shot at Suzuki for the 145-pound title. BKFC flyweight titleholder John Dodson is also scheduled to face Takaki Soya in a bare-knuckle boxing match.