Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao recently stepped into the ring against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in an exhibition fight on Sunday, July 28, during the Super Rizin 3 event at the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Although Pacquiao displayed flashes of his legendary skills, he found himself challenged by Anpo’s size and unconventional fighting style.
The three-round boxing event between Anpo vs Pacquiao concluded in a thrilling draw, with no official scores announced. Despite Pacquiao's illustrious career, the fight was anything but a walk in the park. Over 48,000 fans packed the Saitama Super Arena to witness the iconic showdown, and Anpo used his 6-foot height and physical advantage to frustrate the Filipino boxing star. Pacquiao’s punches seemed ineffective against the taller opponent, and he struggled to find his rhythm for most of the bout.
However, Pacquiao thrilled the crowd in the third round by landing a series of punches that turned the tide in his favor. The 45-year-old boxing icon managed to showcase his trademark speed and power, which helped him end the fight on a high note. Despite the challenges, Pacquiao’s late-round heroics saved him from a loss, much to the delight of his fans.
Following Pacquiao’s performance against Anpo, many fans and boxing experts took to social media to express their concerns about his potential fight against World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios. With Pacquiao’s farewell fight on the horizon, doubts have surfaced regarding his ability to compete at the highest level, especially against a formidable opponent like Barrios.
Pacquiao’s exhibition performance sparked discussions, with many suggesting that the Filipino legend might need to reconsider his plans for a farewell bout. However, Sean Gibbons, president of Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, quickly dismissed these concerns, assuring fans that Pacquiao still has what it takes to perform on the big stage.
“Sure, the Senator wasn’t at his best, but I think the guys who know boxing understand what went down in Japan. Art Haymon and the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) know. Luckily, Manny had a lot left to survive a bigger and stronger opponent and, in the third round, showed he has still got it. We are working on his title shot, and it will be against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios,” Gibbons stated during a media interaction.
In a candid post-fight interview, Pacquiao himself addressed the concerns about his performance. The boxing legend revealed that he was operating at only “60 percent” during the fight with Anpo. He praised his opponent for putting up a tough challenge and acknowledged the difficulties he faced against a much larger fighter.
“He is strong and fights well even though he lacks experience. He is also way bigger than me,” Pacquiao said, reflecting on the physical disadvantages he encountered during the bout.
Originally, Pacquiao was set to face another Japanese kickboxer, Chihiro Suzuki, who had to withdraw due to an injury sustained during training. Suzuki, who is four inches shorter and weighs less than 145 pounds, was a more suitable opponent given Pacquiao’s size and weight class. In contrast, Anpo not only stood six feet tall but also weighed about 10 pounds more than Pacquiao, despite the fight’s weight limit being 150 pounds.
Manny Pacquiao’s weight climb is hands down the greatest weight climb of all time
— Edgar Alvarez (@EdgarAlvarezzzz) August 27, 2024
But 1 that comes to a very close 2nd place
Is a guy who is 5’7/5’8 and started his career at 140 and climbed all the way to
light-heavyweight (175) to become a champion
All time great stuff
Reports suggest that several members of Pacquiao’s camp urged him to pull out of the fight due to the drastic size disparity between him and Anpo. However, Pacquiao refused to cancel, driven by his dedication to the fans who had come to see him fight. Gibbons emphasized that the switch from a smaller, more manageable opponent to a significantly larger one had a profound impact on the fight’s dynamics.
“The shift from a smaller opponent to a much bigger one made a huge difference. It showed how much Manny cares about his fans—he didn’t want to let them down,” Gibbons said. Pacquiao’s decision to push forward with the fight, despite the odds stacked against him, was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his supporters and his love for the sport.
Despite the exhibition fight’s outcome, Gibbons remains optimistic about Pacquiao’s chances against Mario Barrios. The MP Promotions president is confident that Pacquiao’s experience, skill set, and competitive spirit will shine through when he steps into the ring with Barrios. As preparations for the title shot continue, fans are hopeful that Pacquiao will bring his best performance in what could be his final professional bout.
Pacquiao’s legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats is already cemented, but his upcoming fight against Barrios offers him the chance to add another chapter to his storied career. As Gibbons put it, “Manny still has what it takes to put on a great show, and we’re excited to see him do just that.”
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