Yesterday, we got confirmation that Kota Ibushi was officially a free agent – with his contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling lapsing. This has already led to him being confirmed for GCW Josh Barnetts Bloodsport – where he will meet Mike Bailey. Tony Khan is interested in bringing him into AEW, and we can expect to see reports of interest from WWE – with Ibushi previously wrestling in the Cruiserweight Classic and on NXT TV. However, his weirdest option has just arises – as MMA company RIZIN wants to run Kota Ibushi vs. boxer Manny Pacquiao.
RIZIN Wants To Book Kota Ibushi vs. Manny Pacquiao
A report from TokyoSports would contain the following information on a potential fight between Pacquiao & Ibushi.
“Rizin CEO Sakakibara had an interest in Ibushi from the very beginning. Ibushi, who was a freelancer in the early days, showed up at the RIZIN venue. As the same ring sports, I would like you to take on the challenge.”
If the participation is realized, it is said that there is a possibility that it will stand diagonally to the world’s big stars. Manny Pacquiao announced his participation in RIZIN on New Year’s Eve last year. CEO Sakakibara said, “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.” Certainly, if Pacquiao VS Ibushi is realized, what kind of match will it be? “It’s a big love call for RIZIN. The rules are also flexible. I think I’ll approach it.”
In addition, RIZIN officials say, “If you’re going to participate in the competition, wouldn’t it be nice to have a professional wrestling match?” The reason for this is, “Unlike in the past, there is a clear distinction between professional wrestling and martial arts these days. Probably not many of our fans watch professional wrestling. Even if you have a match next to a match, you should be able to make martial arts fans think, “Wow, professional wrestling is amazing!” I think I can serve as a bridge between professional wrestling and martial arts.”
Simply put, this immediately brings to mind the fight between Antonio Inoki & Muhammad Ali from 1976. That battle of Pro Wrestler vs. Pro Boxer would help to birth the Mixed Martial Arts craze that continues to this day.
Would you watch Ibushi vs. Pacquiao? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-qJbUfp2Pg
