Manny Pacquiao has announced his return against MMA artist Chihiro Suzuki.
Pacquiao has been retired since 2021 after losing to Yordenis Ugas, but has remained open to exhibitions which have taken part as a partnership with Japanese promotion RIZIN.
The Filipino legend is set to appear on Super RIZIN 3 in Saitama, Japan on July 28, where he will take on RIZIN champion Suzuki.
In bizarre fashion, the pair will compete in just three, three-minute rounds which is one of the shortest formats ever seen in the boxing ring.
The contest will also be at 150lbs, and will be classified with ‘special standing bout rules’ according to the promoter.
During the promotion’s latest RIZIN 47 show in Tokyo, the pair announced their event in the ring.
The pair came face-to-face posing for photos, in a spectacle which excited fans attending the venue.
Suzuki has a record of 13-3 in MMA with one no contest, but is undefeated in his last nine bouts including eight victories.
The Japanese star will first compete in a boxing clash with Takanori Gomi on June 23 to prepare for the test of the legend.
Pacquiao himself hasn’t fought competitively since retiring from the sport in 2021, but will of course be the overwhelming favourite.
The bout will not count on professional records, and is unlikely to be scored given the former eight-division world champion’s age.
It is not his first experience in an exhibition, having fought and beaten Korean YouTuber DK Yoo in November 2022.
That was his last outing, but he has since resumed full training and is working towards a full comeback.
After putting his political career to one side, Pacquiao is now back focused on the sweet science and is even eyeing a world title shot at 147lbs.
He is reportedly in talks to face Mario Barrios for the vacant WBC title.
Pacquiao has also been linked with a crossover bout against ex-UFC star Conor McGregor, but no official talks have been detected.
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News Summary:
- Manny Pacquiao confirms new exhibition fight against MMA fighter with bizarre rules announced
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