Manny Pacquiao Signs With RIZIN

Manny Pacquiao seems to be determined to stay active in the ring.

Over the weekend, RIZIN announced that they have signed a one-year deal with the sole eight-division champion, Pacquiao.

The 44-year-old is expected to have his next exhibition bout in the summer.

He is coming off of a solid performance against Korean MMA fighter and YouTuber DK Yoo. After the win, he noted how hard it is to stay retired, and said that he’s considering a comeback to professional boxing.

Pacquiao retired in the summer of 2021 following his loss to late replacement Yordenis Ugas; instead he said it was time to pursue Presidency for the Philippines, which he eventually fell short in. The Filipino star was supposed to take on two-belt champion and top dog Errol Spence Jr., but he was forced to withdraw due to an eye injury.

Now, if Pacquiao would return, fans, including Ugas, have urged him to stay away from Spence and WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford — who Pacquiao was also reportedly supposed to fight against.

Pacquiao’s next exhibition bout is expected to be against another MMA fighter.