Manny Pacquiao’s return to the ring shall be without Rizin champion Chihiro Suzuki after he was forced out by injury
The boxing legend was resulting from face Suzuki, who holds belts in KNOCK OUT and Rizin, but will now tackle kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in a serious change-up. Suzuki recently took on Takanori Gomi, and suffered a broken hand in the course of the contest which won’t heal in time for July 28.
Pacquiao is now going to tackle Anpo in an exhibition bout over three rounds of three minutes with no judges scoring. It could signal the start of a final run within the skilled ranks as he eyes up Mario Barrios’ WBC world title at welterweight.
Manny Pacquiao vs Chihiro Suzuki off after MMA champion breaks hand
The news of Manny Pacquiao’s opponent change was released at a press conference yesterday, with Rizin CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara explaining that it could take various weeks for the injury to heal. Super Rizin will still happen as planned on July 28, with this one slight alteration.
“In a recent match, Chihiro Suzuki’s right hand, right second middle finger fractured the the center fourth bone,” Sakakibara announced in Japanese in the course of the press conference.
“Also, the fracture of the fifth middle fourth bone, index finger and pinky, these two places were fractured. A diagnosis of a complete recovery time of 4 months was made.”
Rukiya Anpo steps in for Chihiro Suzuki to face Manny Pacquiao
K-1 super-lightweight world champion Anpo is a special style of opponent for Pacquiao, and brings considerably less MMA experience to the ring. He’s just 0-1 within the cage, and holds a more impressive kickboxing record of 27-8-1 within the skilled ranks.
“I’m really surprised and enthusiastic about this sudden big probability,” he told the media. “Suzuki did just say he apologised to the fans but considering he was injured within the Gomi fight I feel the fans were looking forward to this fight.
“But no one, I don’t think anyone, would blame Suzuki and I’m carrying his feelings of regret. I feel Pacquiao is basically strong, but I seriously need to win. I’m determined to challenge him, so please support me.”
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