Rizin Fighting Federation will keep Manny
Pacquiao on its upcoming blockbuster show no matter what.

The promotion sent out a press release on Thursday night announcing
that Pacquiao would no longer be facing Chihiro
Suzuki at Super Rizin 3 on July 28. “PacMan” was expecting to
take on Suzuki in a three-round “standing rules” match which
consisted of boxing plus spinning strikes. Due to an injury
sustained in his exhibition bout against Takanori
Gomi in June, Suzuki has been forced out of the matchup. In his
stead will be kickboxer Rukiya
Anpo, who has already engaged in a similar type of fight
against Yuta Kubo at
the end of 2023.

Filipino legend Pacquiao accomplished more than any boxer ever when
he competed, winning belts in flyweight, featherweight, lightweight
and welterweight as he lorded over his divisions. Considered one of
the greatest to ever grace the sweet science, the Manila native
officially hung up his gloves after a decision loss to Yordenis
Ugas in 2021 for the WBA’s Super Champion title at 146 pounds.
Since then, the 45-year-old has taken a few exhibition boxing
matches, beating Jesus Salud and DK Yoo in 2022 both on points.

Anpo has never competed as a straight boxer, with practically his
entire combat sports career coming in the kickboxing ring. The
Japanese karateka known as “Demolition Man” had an unorthodox 2023,
taking two bouts under kickboxing rules and a third in modified
MMA, all with Rizin. Anpo drew with Buakaw Banchamek, won a
decision over Sho
Patrick Usami and succumbed to a submission from Kubo in the
span of less than eight months. He too engaged in recent exhibition
combat, beating Cyril Abadi and Tsuyoshi
Kamiyama at Breaking Down events in Japan under modified rules.

IMAK ADMIN

By IMAK ADMIN

Internationaler Kampfkunst und Kampfsport Kleinanzeiger