Manny Pacquiao inks deal with RIZIN Fighting Federation
Do not listen to many of the combat sports websites out there claiming that boxing great Manny Pacquiao has inked some sort of deal with RIZIN Fighting Federation as a competitor, because that is simply not the case.
I’m here in the Philippines. RIZIN.15 will have this man involved in a way. We will be ready to announce as I get back to Japan! #rizin15 #MannyPacquiao pic.twitter.com/58lv5xwPMb
— NOBUYUKI SAKAKIBARA (@nobu_sakakibara) April 7, 2019
The multi-time boxing world champion will however fill-in an ambassador-like role with the company.
Born in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines, Manny Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39KO) is quite possibly the most internationally famous person to come out of the country, perhaps ever. His fame goes beyond boxing, however, as he is currently serving as Senator of the Philippines.
“Pac-Man” will act as an ambassador for RIZIN as he helps bring young, up-and-coming Filipino talent to RIZIN Fighting Federation / Japan. He will be at the Yokohama Arena for RIZIN 15 to kick-off this role.
That night, the Philippines will be on display for the second time ever in a RIZIN ring. And it will be in a massive spot as WBC Muay Thai National Champion Fritz Biagtan faces the superstar that is Tenshin Nasukawa.
Ironically enough, the first Filipino talent to ever compete in RIZIN was Manny Pacquiao lookalike Mario Sismundo. This in a losing effort to Yusuke Yachi.
Pacquiao is, simply put, one of the greatest to ever lace up a pair of gloves. His resume includes wins over Timothy Bradley Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton, Oscar De La Hoya, and far too many world championships to name.
He also faced Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the highest-grossing pay-per-view event of all time.
Manny Pacquiao is the perfect ambassador for young Filipino fighters. Many men and women who may not have had the chance to compete on a big stage in the past will get exactly that in the future as Pacquiao and RIZIN continue to work with one another.
The journey begins at RIZIN 15, live from the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan on April 21.
