Super Rizin 3 Update: Manny Pacquiao to Box Replacement Rukiya Anpo on July 28

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Rizin Fighting Federation will keep Manny Pacquiao on its upcoming blockbuster show no matter what.

The promotion sent out a press release on Thursday night announcing that Pacquiao would no longer be facing Chihiro Suzuki at Super Rizin 3 on July 28. “PacMan” was expecting to take on Suzuki in a three-round “standing rules” match which consisted of boxing plus spinning strikes. Due to an injury sustained in his exhibition bout against Takanori Gomi in June, Suzuki has been forced out of the matchup. In his stead will be kickboxer Rukiya Anpo, who has already engaged in a similar type of fight against Yuta Kubo at the end of 2023.

Filipino legend Pacquiao accomplished more than any boxer ever when he competed, winning belts in flyweight, featherweight, lightweight and welterweight as he lorded over his divisions. Considered one of the greatest to ever grace the sweet science, the Manila native officially hung up his gloves after a decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021 for the WBA’s Super Champion title at 146 pounds. Since then, the 45-year-old has taken a few exhibition boxing matches, beating Jesus Salud and DK Yoo in 2022 both on points.

Anpo has never competed as a straight boxer, with practically his entire combat sports career coming in the kickboxing ring. The Japanese karateka known as “Demolition Man” had an unorthodox 2023, taking two bouts under kickboxing rules and a third in modified MMA, all with Rizin. Anpo drew with Buakaw Banchamek, won a decision over Sho Patrick Usami and succumbed to a submission from Kubo in the span of less than eight months. He too engaged in recent exhibition combat, beating Cyril Abadi and Tsuyoshi Kamiyama at Breaking Down events in Japan under modified rules.