Manny Pacquiao Announces Plans to Compete for Rizin Fighting Federation in 2023

Manny Pacquiao will be competing for Rizin Fighting Federation sometime in 2023.
BR> The former champion champion announced during the Rizin 40 broadcast that he plans to fight for the Japanese promotion next year. An exact date and opponent were not revealed.

“A few months ago, I was here as a guest, and today I have a very exciting announcement. I have agreed with Rizin to fight next year, the date will soon be announced, and also my opponent that Rizin will choose,” Pacquiao said. “I’m open and excited to fight a Japanese fighter.”

Pacquiao will follow in the footsteps of former boxing rival Floyd Mayweather Jr., who has defeated Tenshin Nasukawa and Mikuru Asakura in exhibition boxing matches under the Rizin banner. The 44-year-old Pacquiao is expected to compete in a similar type of bout for the promotion, though an exact rule set was not announced.

Pacquiao won multiple world titles as a professional boxer, compiling a 62-8-2 record along the way. Most recently, the Filipino standout defeated DK Yoo in an exhibition on Dec. 10.