MMA Knockout

Boxing News: Manny Pacquiao's Next Fight Revealed to be Japanese MMA Champ

No easy fights for 'The Pac Man'

Mathew Riddle

Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Manny Pacquiao has announced his first boxing match since retiring in 2022.

Boxing News: Fury vs. Usyk 2 Date & Location Officially Confirmed

The fighting pride of the Philippines will return for a three-round exhibition at Super RIZIN 3 inside the Saitama Super Arena on July 28 against RIZIN featherweight champion Chihiro Suzuki. The two fighters faced off after RIZIN 47 on June 9.

'I'm Not Choosing my Opponents': Pacquiao Reacts to Floyd Mayweather's Fights in RIZIN

Pacquiao isn't the first great boxer to compete under the RIZIN banner. His boxing rival, Floyd Mayweather Jr., has had two fights in RIZIN against kickboxing phenoms Tenshin Nasukawa and Mikuru Asakura, winning both.

Tenshin vs. Floyd
Mayweather handed Tenshin Nasukawa his first 'loss' on the world stage, despite being an exhibition. The Japanese star is undefeated across professional boxing, MMA, and kickboxing. / Reuters

Watch: World's Strongest Man KO's Opponent Stiff in 2v1 Freak Show MMA Fight

Pacquiao commented on Mayweather's success in the promotion during the RIZIN 46 post-event presser:

"Floyd is different, he chooses his opponents," Pacquiao remarked. "No, I'm not choosing my opponents. Whoever wants to challenge me, I challenge... That's the difference."

Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao 2 in RIZIN?

Boxing News: Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Fight Announced for 2024

Pacquiao already appeared in RIZIN at RIZIN 45 in December 2023. There, CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara asked Pacquiao if he'd fight Floyd Mayweather under their banner, to which Pacquiao replied, "I'm ready."

It's all still up in the air, but fight fans could see a Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2 this decade, exhibition or not.

Stick with MMA Knockout for daily coverage of the UFC, MMA, WWE, and AEW. Follow MMA Knockout on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Published
Mathew Riddle
MATHEW RIDDLE

Mathew is a UK-based combat sports journalist, graphic designer, and SEO expert with over five years of experience in digital marketing and a dedicated four-year track record in MMA journalism. He joined MMAKO in 2023. Mathew's insights have been featured on The Fight Fanatic, Heavy on UFC, Fansided, and Sportskeeda. Reach him at mr@thefightfanatic.com.

Home/News