Manny Pacquiao's return to the ring will take place without RIZIN champion Chihiro Suzuki, who is forced to withdraw due to injury.
The boxing legend was scheduled to face Suzuki, who holds the belts from KNOCK OUT and RIZIN, but in a big change of plans he will now face kickboxer Rukiya Anpo. Suzuki recently faced Takanori Gomi, but broke his hand during the bout and it is not expected to heal until July 28th.
Pacquiao is now scheduled to face Ampo in a three-round, three-minute exhibition bout, not scored by the judges, in what could be the start of his final professional fight as he seeks to capture Mario Barrios' WBC welterweight world title.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Chihiro Suzuki fight canceled after MMA champion breaks hand
The news of Manny Pacquiao's opponent change was announced at a press conference yesterday, with Rizin CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara explaining that the injury will take several weeks to heal. Super Rizin will go ahead as scheduled on July 28th, with a minor change.
“In a recent game, Suzuki Chihiro fractured the fourth bone in the middle of the second middle finger on her right hand,” Sakakibara announced in Japanese at a news conference.
“I also broke the fourth and fifth bones, and broke my index finger and little finger. I've been diagnosed with a four month recovery period.”
Rukiya Ambo will replace Chihiro Suzuki in the fight against Manny Pacquiao
K-1 super lightweight world champion Ampo is a different type of opponent for Pacquiao, with far less experience in mixed martial arts in the ring, and while he is 0-1 inside the cage, he has a more impressive kickboxing record at the professional level with 27 wins, 8 losses and 1 draw.
“I'm really surprised and excited about this big opportunity,” he told the media. “Suzuki has just apologized to the fans, but I think the fans were looking forward to this fight, considering he was injured in the Gomi fight.”
“But I don't think anyone, probably no one, would blame Suzuki, and I'm carrying his regret. I think Pacquiao is really strong, but I really want to win. I'm prepared to challenge him, so please support me.”
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