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FILE–Manny Pacquiao during the weigh-in for his charity fight against South Korean YouTuber DK Yoo in Seoul, South Korea. Photo by Wendell Alinea
MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao will face a Japanese opponent in 2023 after reaching an agreement with mixed martial arts promotion Rizin Fighting Federation.
The Filipino boxing icon ended 2022 with a surprise announcement when he appeared with Japanese promotion president Nobuyuki Sakakibara at the Rizin 40 event at the Saitama Super Arena.
“A few months ago, I was here as a guest, and I have an exciting announcement tonight. I have agreed with Rizin to fight next year (2023),” said Pacquiao.
“The date will be announced and also my opponent who will be chosen by Rizin. And I am open and excited to fight Japanese fighters. Thank you,” he added.
It is still unclear whether the 44-year-old will see action in an official match or another showcase for Rizin, who has organized kickboxing and boxing matches.
The eight-time division champion recently dominated Korean mixed martial artist and YouTuber DK Yoo in a six-round exhibition three weeks ago.
Interestingly, Pacquiao’s rival, Floyd Mayweather Jr. also had an exhibition match under Rizin in 2018 when he submitted Tenshin Nasukawa to a first-round Technical Knockout and defeated Deji Olatunji also by TKO in the sixth round last September.
The former senator announced his retirement before last year’s presidential election but lost the May 9 election.
Pacquiao last fought on the professional scene, losing to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision in his WBA super welterweight title defense in August 2021.
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