Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has once again captured the spotlight with his arrival in Tokyo, Japan, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated exhibition match. Pacquiao touched down on Tuesday, July 23, accompanied by his family—his supportive wife Jinkee and their children Michael, Queenie, Princess, and Israel.
Demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the sport, Pacquiao wasted no time and began his training regimen the very next day. On Wednesday, July 24, he hit the gym at Kyokuto Gym in Tokyo for his first training session, under the experienced guidance of his childhood friend and longtime trainer, Buboy Fernandez.
Pacquiao, now 45 years old, is preparing for a unique challenge against Japanese fighter Rukiya Anpo. The 28-year-old Anpo stands out as one of the tallest opponents Pacquiao has faced in his storied career, reaching an impressive height of 6 feet. Anpo’s credentials are noteworthy; he is a former K-1 Super Lightweight Champion and was the runner-up in the 2021 K-1 Welterweight Grand Prix. His reputation as a formidable opponent adds a layer of excitement and anticipation to this exhibition match, which is set to test Pacquiao’s skills and endurance.
Sean Gibbons, President of MP Manny Pacquiao Promotions, has been vocal about Pacquiao’s iconic status in boxing, drawing comparisons to other legendary athletes. Gibbons has likened Pacquiao’s influence in the boxing world to that of NFL star Tom Brady, who won his last Super Bowl at the age of 43. This comparison underscores Pacquiao’s remarkable longevity and continued relevance in a sport that demands peak physical condition and mental toughness.
Gibbons highlighted Pacquiao’s current form, emphasizing that despite his age, he retains the speed, power, and agility that characterized his prime years. “In the gym right now, he looks like ‘Pacman’ Manny Pacquiao. He’s got the speed, the power—everything we remember from his prime. He looks great, but the real test will be in the ring,” Gibbons told FightsATW. This statement reflects the confidence and high expectations surrounding Pacquiao’s performance in his upcoming bout.
Adding to the excitement, Gibbons expressed his anticipation for Pacquiao’s future in the sport. “If he wins this weekend, we will absolutely look at a fight with Mario Barrios for the WBC world title or Gervonta Davis. Manny wants a real fight; he still feels he can compete at the highest level. He is the Tom Brady of boxing. He fights with the energy and skill of a 25-year-old, not a 45-year-old,” Gibbons noted. This bold assertion highlights Pacquiao’s ambition and his desire to remain a competitive force in the boxing world, despite the challenges that come with age.
The reception Pacquiao has received in Japan has been nothing short of spectacular. Gibbons praised the enthusiastic response from fans and the media, noting that Pacquiao’s presence continues to generate significant buzz. “The reception here in Japan has been incredible. Everywhere Manny goes, he draws tremendous media attention. I expect around 40,000 people at the fight—it's going to be a complete sellout. Manny is a superstar in Asia. He was recently voted by ESPN as the number one Asian athlete of the century,” Gibbons said. This accolade not only reflects Pacquiao’s enduring popularity but also his significant impact on the sport and his role as a cultural icon.
The upcoming exhibition match is set to take place on July 28 at Saitama Arena, Japan. This three-round, 152-pound bout will be held under the banner of the Rizin Fighting Federation. The fight is particularly noteworthy as it marks Pacquiao’s return to a weight class that deviates from his usual fighting standards. This added element introduces an interesting dynamic to the bout, as it will be the first time in over a decade that Pacquiao will be competing outside his typical weight range.
"I'm not boasting myself, but in terms of boxing I'm like a professor."
— RIZIN.tv (@RIZINTV_) July 25, 2024
Former 8-division world champion Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) is ready for #SuperRIZIN3!
Watch on #RIZINtv!
🔗 https://t.co/LChPUvqSqh
📅 7/28
🇺🇸🇨🇦12am CT
🇵🇹🇬🇧6am
🇪🇺🇿🇦7am
🏟 Saitama Super Arena pic.twitter.com/Q2owEVUNPp
Pacquiao’s focus remains on this immediate challenge before any potential future matchups can be confirmed. His aim is to deliver a standout performance against Anpo, which would pave the way for future high-profile bouts. One potential matchup that has generated considerable interest is a fight against Mario Barrios for the WBC Welterweight title. Barrios’ camp has expressed a clear interest in facing Pacquiao, with trainer Bob Santos recently affirming that such a fight is “very realistic.” This potential fight would represent a significant opportunity for Pacquiao to vie for another world title and continue his illustrious career.
In addition to Barrios, Pacquiao’s team is also eyeing a possible showdown with Gervonta Davis. Davis, a rising star in the boxing world, would provide another challenging and high-profile opponent for Pacquiao. The prospect of these matchups demonstrates Pacquiao’s ongoing ambition to compete at the highest level and his determination to remain a major player in the sport.
For fans eager to follow Pacquiao’s journey and stay updated on the latest sports news, OKBET offers a comprehensive and trusted platform for online boxing betting in Asia. As the most popular and reliable source for sports updates, OKBET ensures that fans have access to all the latest developments, including Pacquiao’s exhibition match and potential future bouts.
Pacquiao’s enduring legacy and his continued pursuit of excellence in the ring underscore his status as one of boxing’s greatest icons. With his remarkable career spanning several decades, Pacquiao has consistently demonstrated his skill, resilience, and dedication to the sport. As he prepares for his upcoming fight against Rukiya Anpo, the boxing world eagerly anticipates what could be another memorable chapter in the story of Manny Pacquiao—a true legend in the sport of boxing.
OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and legit sports betting platform.
Register today on OKBET to stay up to date with all the sports news from around the world.
