Rikiishi turned pro in 2017 ending his amateur career with a record of 25–5.
[3] Rikiishi improved over his next couple of fights and became one of the best prospects in the super-featherweight division.
Rikiishi stopped Nunez in the third round, dropping him with multiple body shots.
After the fight Rikiishi called out world champion Emanuel Navarrete.
[4] Rikiishi took on Michael Magnesi for the WBC Silver super-featherweight belt.