TOKYO – Filipino boxing legend and the only eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao will face Rizin featherweight titleholder Chihiro Suzuki in a three-round exhibition match at the Saitama Super Arena on July 28.
The 45-year-old Pacquiao, who retired from professional boxing after losing to Yordenis Ugas via unanimous decision in 2021, announced the upcoming bout during the Rizin 47 MMA fight card at the Yoyogi National Stadium in Shibuya on Sunday. “It’s gonna be a good fight, and a lot of action,” he enthused.
The Pinoy pride also expressed his excitement about the battle. “I hope everybody will watch the fight,” he added.
Photo courtesy of RIZIN
Suzuki, a Japanese-Peruvian kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) champion with a record of 13-3 and one no-contest, did not hold back during their ring face-off. “With all due respect, I’m going to knock you out in the first round,” the 25-year-old fighter declared in Japanese.
Pacquiao responded confidently, saying, “I will let him (Suzuki) know that boxing is harder than [an] MMA fight.” - Florenda Corpuz
(File photo: Manny at the Pacquiao Gym in Harajuku, Tokyo on Nov. 25, 2016 | Din Eugenio)
