Manny Pacquiao, the legendary Philippine boxing icon and one of the most celebrated fighters in the sport's history, is once again stepping into the limelight but this time, it won’t be in the boxing ring. Despite being 46 years old, Manny Pacquiao has made it clear that he has no intention of fully stepping away from the sport. However, his latest venture takes him into the world of entertainment as he joins Netflix’s highly popular reality competition series, Physical: 100 Season 3.
Netflix made the exciting announcement on Tuesday, February 4, during their “Next on Netflix 2025 Korea” event. The streaming giant confirmed that Pacquiao will be part of Physical: Asia, a spinoff of the original Korean reality competition show Physical: 100. The new edition will expand the competition beyond Korea, featuring elite athletes from different parts of Asia who will battle it out in extreme physical challenges.
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will compete in Physical: Asia — a new twist on Physical: 100 where competitors unite under their national flags for the toughest, most pulse-pounding missions yet.
— Netflix (@netflix) February 4, 2025
Coming to Netflix later this year 🥊 pic.twitter.com/jdeoeoGFPC
Physical: Asia aims to build on the original format of Physical: 100, which became a sensation for its grueling physical tests that push competitors to their absolute limits. The first two seasons of the Korean series featured top-tier athletes from various disciplines, including Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), boxing, and wushu sanda. The upcoming Asian edition will take it a step further by introducing athletes from across the continent, each representing their respective nations in a national team battle for pride and glory.
“This time, we are expanding to an Asian stage with Physical: Asia,” said Yoo Ki-hwan, Netflix Korea’s Director of Content. “The strongest physical competitors from different Asian countries will compete in a national team battle for their country’s pride.”
While details regarding the premiere date, contestant lineup, and format of Physical: Asia remain under wraps, the announcement has already generated immense buzz, especially with the inclusion of a global sports icon like Manny Pacquiao. Fans eagerly anticipate how the former eight-division boxing champion will fare against other elite athletes in a series of physically demanding challenges.
Despite venturing into entertainment, Pacquiao remains active in the boxing world, particularly in exhibition matches. His most recent fight took place on Sunday, July 28, against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo at Super Rizin 3 in the Saitama Super Arena, Tokyo, Japan. The three-round exhibition match ended in a thrilling draw, with no official scoring. Nevertheless, Pacquiao's presence alone was enough to electrify the 48,000 fans in attendance.
Although Pacquiao showcased his legendary speed and skill, Anpo used his superior height, standing at 6 feet tall to frustrate the Filipino boxing great. Even with the fight ending without an official winner, the match was an exciting spectacle that demonstrated Pacquiao's enduring competitiveness.
Pacquiao's last professional fight occurred in July 2021, when he suffered an unexpected defeat against Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas. Following that loss, he briefly stepped away from boxing to pursue a political career, running for president of the Philippines in 2022. However, after losing by a wide margin, Pacquiao refocused his energy on boxing, though primarily in an exhibition capacity.
Still, the fire within him has not faded. The Filipino legend has expressed interest in facing World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios in hopes of securing another world title before officially retiring from professional competition. Pacquiao's continued ambition to fight at the highest level proves that his legendary status in boxing is far from over.
Pacquiao's participation in Physical: Asia highlights his influence beyond the boxing ring. His inclusion in the reality series serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and sports enthusiasts across Asia. Known for his incredible work ethic, discipline, and resilience, Pacquiao embodies the qualities of a true champion, making him the perfect fit for a show that tests physical endurance, strength, and mental toughness.
Furthermore, Pacquiao's involvement in the Netflix series introduces him to a new generation of fans who may not have witnessed his prime in boxing but will now see his competitive nature in a different arena. His ability to remain relevant across various fields sports, politics, and entertainment cements his status as a cultural icon in the Philippines and beyond.
As a global sports figure, Pacquiao’s return to the public eye brings renewed excitement to both boxing and competitive sports. Fans of combat sports and reality competitions alike will eagerly tune in to watch him in Physical: Asia, just as they have followed his legendary boxing career.
For those who love the fun of online sports betting on Pacquiao's upcoming fights or other major sporting events can add an extra layer of excitement. Whether it's wagering on boxing matches, MMA bouts, or even predicting the winners of Physical: Asia, online sports betting platforms like OKBet offer fans the opportunity to engage with their favorite sports in an interactive way.
As the most trusted and popular online sports betting site in the Philippines, OKBet provides up-to-date sports news, competitive odds, and a secure platform for placing bets on major events. Whether you're following Pacquiao's latest ventures or keeping up with global sports action, OKBet is your go-to destination for all things sports betting.
Stay tuned for more updates on Manny Pacquiao’s journey in Physical: Asia and his potential return to the boxing ring. In the meantime, regsiter with us to stay ahead of the game and experience the best in online sports betting today!
