Pacquiao may have pro wrestler Kota Ibushi as next opponent — report

A name has surfaced as a possible opponent for Manny Pacquiao in Japan.

Early this year, Pacquiao announced that he will fight in Japan after inking a deal with MMA promoter Rizin.

A report from Tokyo Sports said that professional wrestler Kota Ibushi, who recently became a free agent, is being considered as Pacquiao's next foe.

Quoting RIZIN CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara, the report said Pacquiao is a possible opponent for Ibushi should the wrestler accept their offer to fight in the RIZIN stage, though which ruleset a match between the two would fall under is unclear at the moment.

"If that happens, it would be great. It would be a truly different match. I don't want to be small, like Pacquiao. In that sense, it's good," Sakakibara said.

"It's a big love call for RIZIN. The rules are also flexible. I think I'll approach it."

Back in December, Pacquiao fought South Korean martial artist DK Yoo and won via unanimous decision in a six-round boxing exhibition match.

Ibushi, after leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling at the end of last month, is set to fight “Speedball” Mike Bailey in a professional wrestling match at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport this March.

The Phoenix is set to rise and the flames of resurrection will ignite the ring on March 30th.

Kota Ibushi is coming to Josh Barnett's: Bloodsport.

Get your tickets now!https://t.co/oJ9snk1d0n pic.twitter.com/p3f0VLevu0

— ???????????? ???????????????????????????????????? (@JoshLBarnett) January 31, 2023

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News