By MARK REY MONTEJO
Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will strut his wares once again as he battles Japanese MMA fighter Chihiro Suzuki in a three-round exhibition bout next month.
The match between the former eight-division world boxing champion and Suzuki is set for three minutes per round and will be held on July 28 at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan.
Pacquiao, 45, was scheduled to fight Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek last February but it was cancelled.
“Finally next month I’m fighting here in Japan, and I hope everybody will watch,” Pacquiao announced.
“This is gonna be a good fight,” he added.
On the other hand, Suzuki is a professional MMA fighter, who holds the RIZIN featherweight title with 13-0-3 record along seven triumphs via TKO.
The 25-year-old of Peruvian descent was not shy to spit some remarks to Pacquiao, stressing he knocked out the latter as early as in the opening round.
“With all due respect, I’m going to knock you out in the first round,” said Suzuki.
“I will let him know that boxing is harder than MMA,” Pacquiao responded.
This will be the second time for Pacquiao to face an MMA fighter in two years having taught South Korean DK Yoo a neat lesson in boxing.
The pride of General Santos City retired from professional boxing after losing to
Cuban Yordenis Ugas via unanimous decision three years ago.
