Pacquiao vs. Anpo

Manny Pacquiao vs. Rukiya Anpo: Draw.

Manny Pacquiao has struck a deal to fight Rukiya Anpo in a boxing exhibition on July 28. The bout, set for three three-minute rounds, will take place at Super RIZIN 3 in Japan. This announcement was confirmed during the RIZIN 47 event in Tokyo, describing the match as a "special standing bout."

The fight will be held at a weight limit of 150 pounds. Pacquiao, who has not fought professionally since his loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021, retired from professional boxing following that defeat. However, he did return for an exhibition match in 2022, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over DK Yoo.

Apart from the exhibition, there are rumors of Pacquiao facing Mario Barrios for the WBC Welterweight Title. This opportunity arose after Terence Crawford was designated as "Champion in Recess" due to his upcoming fight against Israil Madrimov at 154 pounds on August 3. As Barrios holds the WBC Interim Welterweight Champion title, Pacquiao could potentially secure a title shot at the age of 45. Sean Gibbons, chairman of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, hinted at a possible professional return for Pacquiao, but emphasized that the immediate focus is on the fight with Anpo.

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"Manny Pacquiao is still chasing history," Gibbons said. "He is looking at one more big fight in 2024. Manny made history at 40 years old when he beat Keith Thurman to win the WBA 147-pound world title, becoming the oldest fighter ever to do it. He would love a shot at the welterweight title before calling it a career."

Pacquiao's relationship with RIZIN is longstanding. He appeared at a RIZIN 45 event last year, where he announced plans for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather. Their original fight in 2015, billed as the "Fight of the Century," saw Mayweather win by unanimous decision. However, Pacquiao cited a shoulder injury that required rotator cuff surgery as a significant factor in his performance. Despite his announcement of a rematch, Mayweather dismissed the possibility.

Fight card:

▪️Manny Pacquiao vs. Rukiya Anpo, 3x3 rounds, exhibition