Manny Pacquiao Expected To Fight Former New Japan Pro Wrestling Star In Rizin

Manny Pacquiao is officially retired from the world of boxing, but he is not against doing some exhibition fights here and there.

If sources are to be believed, his next fight could see him go to Japan and fight pro wrestling star Kota Ibushi.

Tokyo Sports recently reported that Pacquiao just might share the ring with Ibushi as part of a Rizin Figitng Federation fight card.

According to them, Rizin CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara had called on Ibushi to participate in one of their cards after the latter's departure from New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) became official recently.

Combat sports fans would remember that Pacquiao made the shocking announcement that he had signed with the promotion during Rizin 40 on December 31, 2022 and will fight sometime this year, hinting at facing a Japanese fighter.

"If that happens, it would be great. It would be a truly different match. I don't want to be small, like Pacquiao. In that sense, it's good," Sakakibara was quoted to have said in his native Japanese.

While Pacquiao needs no introduction after putting on one of the most memorable careers in modern-day boxing, Ibushi might be an unfamiliar name to those who have not kept tabs on the pro wrestling industry.

Born in Aira, Japan, Ibushi made his name as part of Dramatic Dream Team (now known as DDT Pro-Wrestling) from 2004 to 2009 while teaming up with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star Kenny Omega–more popularly known as the "Golden Lovers."

He would resign from the company in 2016 as he made his way to WWE as part of the Cruiserweight Classic and had a critically acclaimed match with Cedric Alexander that showcased the stiff striking style made famous in Japan.

As part of NJPW, Ibushi would go on to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship thrice, the IWGP Junior Heavyweight tag titles with Kenny Omega once and the highly prestigious G1 Climax twice.

He would also earn the distinction of being the final holder of both the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and the IWGP Intercontinental Championship after they were both unified to create the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

Ibushi became the inaugural champion of the new belt after defending both the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championship against El Desperado at the NJPW 49th Anniversary Show on March 4, 2021.

Combat sports reporter Bruno Massami reported on Twitter that Sakakibara expects Pacquiao to fight three times this year, particularly in July, September, and December, with one of those months playing host to the special attraction pitting Ibushi against the Filipino boxing icon.