Aki Manninen made his boxing debut at the first evening of the Immun Fight Club, where he faced off against experienced fighter Mika Ilmén. Manninen admitted that he had good fitness levels but was ultimately outmatched by Ilmén's superior skills, resulting in a knockout victory for his opponent. This event was heavily marketed, particularly focusing on the two fighters' celebrity status.

The experience was particularly intense for Manninen's wife, Rita Niemi-Manninen, who watched anxiously from the sidelines. She described the event as 'absolutely terrifying,' expressing her distress about seeing her loved one in the cage, despite acknowledging the quality of the match. Her reactions highlighted the emotional toll on loved ones who watch their partners participate in combat sports, emphasizing that for her, the outcome was irrelevant as long as her husband came out unharmed.

In words reflecting the unpredictable nature of combat sports, Manninen described the first two rounds as going according to his plan before things fell apart in the third round. His comments reveal a mix of determination and realization about the challenges inherent in boxing, especially for those venturing into the sport for the first time. This debut not only showcased Manninen's willingness to take risks in a new sport but also opened discussions about the safety and psychological impact of such events on the families of fighters.