Boxing Legend Manny Pacquiao Signs With Japanese Promotion Rizin, Plans To Strut Wares In 2023

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao made a shocking announcement that he had signed with Rizin Fighting Federation to return to the squared-circle in 2023 for an exhibition bout.

The eight-division world champion and the Japan-based mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion made it official during the Bellator-Rizin crossover event in Saitama last Saturday, December 31.

In a surprise appearance, Pacquiao took to the ring and addressed the fans in attendance at the legendary Super Saitama Arena.

"I have agreed with Rizin to fight next year. That date will soon be announced, and also my opponent that Rizin will choose, and I'm open and excited to fight a Japanese fighter," Pacquiao stated.

Pacquiao's announcement was perhaps the best thing to happen for Rizin that night, especially since they would end up getting swept by Bellator, 5-0.

Going back to Pacquiao's deal with Rizin, the Filipino sports icon went into further detail during a quick press conference.

He confirmed that he would indeed be competing in an exhibition boxing bout on what is, for now, a one-time deal with the Japanese organization.

Looking forward, Pacquiao also downplayed a possible rematch with former rival Floyd Mayweather Jr., who has also competed in Rizin before.

"My plan today is one at a time," Pacquiao responded. "Let's finish first this commitment to Rizin, and then we'll talk about it."

As for who he'll be facing later this year, Pacquiao reiterated that he's open to facing anybody as long as that anybody has boxing experience.

"Anybody, as long as he has experience in boxing or he knows how to punch or throw punches," Pacquiao stressed.

"Right now I don't have an idea [on who I'll be fighting], but that's why I challenge Rizin to get an opponent that can compete in the fight."

A soon-to-be Hall of Famer, Pacquiao is perhaps one of the sport's most recognizable names. That's because he's the only pugilist to ever win a world championship in eight different weight divisions.

Fighting out of General Santos City in the Philippines, Pacquiao rose to prominence as one of boxing's best ever, compiling a career record of 62 wins, eight losses, and two draws, with 39 wins coming by way of knockout.

Pacquiao has notable victories over the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito, Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton, Timothy Bradley, Chris Algieri, Jesse Vargas, Adrian Broner and Keith Thurman.

In 2021, Pacquiao lost to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision and subsequently announced his retirement from boxing.

Last December, Pacquiao returned to the ring for an exhibition bout, defeating South Korean internet sensation DK Yoo by unanimous decision after six rounds.

Pacquiao appears to be following in the footsteps of Mayweather, who has been taking exhibition bouts since retiring from boxing back in 2017.