Who Will Manny Pacquiao Face in His Boxing Return After MMA Champion Pulls Out?

Pacquiao is set to face Anpo in an exhibition match lasting three rounds of three minutes each, without judges scoring. This event may mark the start of his last stint in the professional boxing arena, as he aims for Mario Barrios' WBC world title in the welterweight division. Unfortunately, the highly anticipated match between Manny Pacquiao and Chihiro Suzuki has been canceled due to the MMA champion breaking his hand. Rizin CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara announced this unfortunate news during a press conference yesterday, stating that it will take several weeks for the injury to fully heal. Despite this setback, Super Rizin is still scheduled to proceed as planned on July 28, albeit with this minor change in the fight card.

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“In a recent match, Chihiro Suzuki’s right hand, right second middle finger fractured  the middle fourth bone,” Sakakibara announced in Japanese during the press conference.

“Also, the fracture of the fifth middle fourth bone, index finger and pinky, these two places were fractured. A diagnosis of a total recovery time of four months was made.”

Rukiya Anpo replaces Chihiro Suzuki as the opponent against Manny Pacquiao. Anpo, the K-1 super-lightweight world champion, presents a unique challenge for Pacquiao with his limited MMA background. Despite holding a kickboxing record of 27-8-1 in the professional circuit, Anpo has only competed once in the cage, resulting in a 0-1 record.

“I’m really surprised and excited about this sudden big chance,” he told the media. “Suzuki did just say he apologised to the fans but considering he was injured in the Gomi fight I think the fans were looking forward to this fight.

“But nobody, I don’t think anyone, would blame Suzuki and I am carrying his feelings of regret. I think Pacquiao is really strong, but I seriously want to win. I’m determined to challenge him, so please support me.”