**Manny Pacquiao Announces Boxing Return with a Special Exhibition Match in Japan**
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is stepping back into the ring, announcing his return during a live event on Japanese television. The celebrated boxer, who retired in 2021 after a loss to Yordenis Ugás, revealed he will be fighting in an exhibition match on July 28th in Saitama, Japan. The event, part of the Rizin 47 promotion, will see Pacquiao face off against Rizin Featherweight Champion Chihiro Suzuki under special standing bout rules.
The match will be a unique spectacle in the boxing world, consisting of three rounds of three minutes each, fought at a weight of 150 pounds. Despite the brevity of the bout, excitement is building among fans and analysts alike. The announcement was made during a thrilling event in Tokyo where Pacquiao and Suzuki confronted each other, striking poses for photographs and energizing the crowd.
Chihiro Suzuki, a rising star in mixed martial arts (MMA), brings a notable record into the ring. With 13 wins, three losses, and one no-contest in MMA, Suzuki remains unbeaten in his last nine matches. He will first face Takanori Gomi in a boxing match on June 23rd, setting the stage for his high-profile clash with Pacquiao.
Pacquiao’s return to boxing has stirred significant interest and speculation. At 45 years old, the former eight-division world champion has not lost his competitive edge. Although this exhibition match will not count towards his official record, Pacquiao has hinted at a more substantial comeback. He has resumed full training and is eyeing a potential world championship opportunity in the welterweight division.
In addition to the exhibition bout in Japan, there are discussions of a more traditional boxing match later this year. According to ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, Pacquiao’s team is in talks with Mario Barrios, the reigning WBC interim welterweight champion, for a fight potentially scheduled for this autumn in Las Vegas. Barrios, who has expressed great admiration for Pacquiao, views the potential fight as a dream come true.
Pacquiao’s return comes after a hiatus marked by his political career and a few exhibition matches. His last professional fight, a loss to Ugás, led many to believe it was the end of his storied career. However, Pacquiao has expressed confidence in his abilities, citing his performance at age 40 against Keith Thurman as evidence that he still has much to offer the sport. He stated, “I made history at 40 beating Keith Thurman, and I feel at 45 I have a lot left in the game as I haven’t taken a lot of punishment over the last few years. I want to go out making history.”
Shaun Gibbons, president of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, has confirmed that Pacquiao is keen on challenging for the WBC welterweight title, a belt that holds sentimental value as it was his first major championship.
While some fans and experts are skeptical about Pacquiao’s return at his age, many remain hopeful that the legendary boxer can still perform at an elite level. The upcoming exhibition in Japan and the potential match against Barrios offer thrilling prospects for Pacquiao’s fans, promising a fitting continuation to his illustrious career.
In an era where exhibition matches and celebrity bouts dominate headlines, Pacquiao’s return to the ring, whether in exhibitions or traditional bouts, stands out as a testament to his enduring legacy and love for the sport. As the world anticipates his return, the excitement surrounding Pacquiao’s upcoming fights underscores his lasting impact on boxing.
