No, you haven't fallen into a time machine. Legendary multi-weight world champion Manny Pacquiao will glove up once again for a matchup against martial arts star Rukiya Anpo at the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo on July 28.
Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) is an all-time great and arguably the most beloved boxer in the world. The Filipino hero fought professionally for almost 26 years (January 1995-August 2021) and collected a record eight world titles in different weight classes.
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However, the ex-champ — who served as senator for his country between 2016 and 2022 — is 45 years old and has been out of the ring for almost three years.
Anpo is a former K-1 super lightweight champion in kickboxing and has no professional boxing experience. He replaces original opponent Chihiro Suzuki, another martial arts fighter who was on a hot streak with RIZIN.
The Sporting News takes a deep dive into the Manny Pacquiao vs. Rukiya Anpo bout.
Who is Rukiya Anpo?
Anpo, known as "The Demolition Man", is a 28-year-old kickboxer and MMA fighter.
The Japanese star has a kickboxing record of 27-8-1 (14 KOs) and has been stopped on five occasions. He has competed under both K-1 and the RIZIN Fighting Federation.
Anpo's only MMA bout took place against Yuta Kubo, a former KRUSH and K-1 welterweight champ, in December of last year. It was a "special rules" contest and Anpo was stopped courtesy of a rear-end choke at the end of round one.
What are the rules for Manny Pacquiao vs. Rukiya Anpo?
The Pacquiao vs. Anpo bout will reportedly take place under "Special Standing" rules, and the assumption is that will mean boxing rules. Nothing has been confirmed to this point.
Scheduled for 10 three-minute rounds, the bout is being contested at a catchweight of 152 pounds.
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Why is Manny Pacquiao fighting again?
Pacquiao has had a political career in his homeland and will bid for re-election in 2025. However, he's never been able to shirk the boxing bug completely.
In 2022, he returned to action for an exhibition match against South Korean YouTuber DK Yoo. This bout against Anpo looks almost as tame, but it could be a tune-up for an authentic world title fight.
Rumors abound that Pacquiao is planning a return to pro boxing and will face newly-minted WBC welterweight champ Mario Barrios later this year.
"I made history at 40 being 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," Pacquiao told ESPN. "I want to go out making history."
Barrios was recently upgraded to full WBC champion after Terence Crawford was demoted to champion in recess. To the surprise of many, the WBC has stated that they would sanction a Barrios vs. Pacquiao bout.
Earlier this year, Pacquiao teased coming out of retirement for a fight against British star Conor Benn. Negotiations for that bout came to nothing.