$5 Million Fine for Kicking Manny Pacquiao in RIZIN

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will soon face former K-1 Kickboxing world champion Rukiya Anpo in a boxing match. The match will take place at Super Rizin 3 on July 28 live from the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, Japan. If Japanese-born striker Anpo throws a kick at Pacquiao, he will be given a hefty fine.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Rukiya Anpo

Philippine-born Manny Pacquiao is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. The icon has won multiple world titles in various weight classes and organizations. Incredibly, he managed to win the Lineal title in five divisions during his legendary career.

Since retiring from professional boxing, ‘Pac-Man’ has been busy with a career in politics. But he has also had several fights. On July 28, he will meet a kickboxing champion at RIZIN. This will be a special rules fight, similar to boxing, but will include spinning back fists, and will be a three-round exhibition match.

Japanese Rukiya Anpo has spent his entire life in kicksport. As a child, he won national karate competitions. He would eventually turn professional in kickboxing and win multiple titles in the K-1 World GP. The striker is best known for his striking knockouts. But he won’t be able to kick against Pacquiao.

Originally, Pacquiao was supposed to be pitted against Chihiro Suzuki. However, Suzuki injured his hand during an exhibition boxing match against PRIDE FC legend Takanori Gomi and had to withdraw. Anpo took on Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao in the 68kg class.

RIZIN president Nobuyuki Sakakibara, translated by Beyond Kick, explained the stakes: “Each violation will be punished with a fine of $5 million. At the time of Tenshin vs. Mayweather in 2018, it was around 500 million yen. But due to the weak yen, it is now around 750 million yen (laughs).” If Anpo is unable to pay that much money, “he will have no choice but to pay with his body (laughs).”

Super Rizin 3 will feature bare-knuckle and mixed martial arts matches, in addition to this special rules bout. The July 28th fight card will be headlined by Tokyo street fighting legend Mikuru Asakura taking on the ever-popular Ren Hiramoto.