Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in MMAJunkie.com.
Manny Pacquiao shed some light on his next move in combat sports.
The boxing star and former multiple-time champion opened up about what his move to Rizin FF included. On Saturday, during Rizin FF vs Bellator event in Japan, the promotion revealed that Pacquiao has signed with them and is expected to launch around 2023. No further details will be given until Pacquiao chat with the media backstage.
“There was great action, great teamfights in Rizin, and the atmosphere of the crowd was amazing,” Pacquiao told reporters about his move to Rizin FF.
Pacquiao revealed that although Rizin mainly promotes MMA, he is still attached to his sport, at least on an exhibition level.
“Yes, (the contract was) boxing, a bout, but it wasn’t the last time,” Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao is about to enter an exhibition match where he fought YouTuber DK Yoo in Seoul, South Korea. He won by unanimous decision.
As for who he could face in his second bout after retiring from professional boxing, Pacquiao said there is no decisive opponent yet. However, he believes his next enemy will be an MMA fighter.
Pacquiao said: “It was good to have a performance match on December 11, I am very excited and happy. “My opponent is a boxer, and he doesn’t know about boxing, so he has a hard time in the ring.
“But this next show fight in Japan, it’s different because I think maybe my opponent is a professional UFC, MMA fighter, so he knows how to punch and of course shield. .”
While there are still many unknowns, the 44-year-old can guarantee that his match against Rizin FF won’t be his last. Pacquiao plans to continue fighting outside of his one-fight deal with Rizin FF.
