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Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is gearing up for an exciting return to the ring, facing RIZIN featherweight champion Chihiro Suzuki in a three-round boxing exhibition at Super RIZIN 3 in Saitama, Japan, on July 28. The thrilling announcement was made during RIZIN 47 in Tokyo, creating a wave of anticipation among combat sports enthusiasts.
This exhibition match, featuring "special standing bout rules," will be contested at a catchweight of 150 pounds, with three-minute rounds. Despite being an exhibition, the bout promises intense action, as it pits one of boxing’s most celebrated figures against a rising MMA star.
Pacquiao, who holds a stellar professional record of 62-8-2 with 39 knockouts, last fought officially in 2021 in Las Vegas, where his three-fight winning streak was snapped by Yordenis Ugas. However, he bounced back with a victory over DK Yoo in an exhibition match in South Korea in December 2022, proving his enduring prowess.
Suzuki, with an MMA record of 13-3 and one no-contest, has been on a hot streak in RIZIN, remaining unbeaten in his last nine fights, with eight wins. The no-contest came from a submission loss to Kleber Koike, which was overturned due to Koike's missing weight. Suzuki is also set to fight Takanori Gomi in a boxing match on June 23, just a month before his bout with Pacquiao.
This exhibition is a must-watch event, blending the best of boxing and MMA. Fans can expect a captivating clash as Pacquiao’s legendary skills face off against Suzuki’s dynamic talent and determination. With both fighters eager to showcase their abilities, the July 28 event promises to be an unforgettable spectacle in combat sports history.
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