Legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao has made his way back to Japan at the ripe age of 45. He has landed in Tokyo and wasted no time hitting the gym to prepare for an upcoming exhibition bout against Rukiya Anpo at the Saitama Super Arena. This will mark Pacquiao’s second exhibition since his supposed retirement, the first being against DK Yoo a couple of years back.
The highly anticipated exhibition bout between Pacquiao and Anpo is scheduled for Sunday, with the event set to kick off at 12 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. UK. The ringwalks are slated for 5 a.m. ET / 10 a.m. UK and will be available for viewing on RIZN PPV. An interesting stipulation for the bout is that Anpo, a former kickboxer, faces a $5 million fine if he decides to kick Pacquiao during the fight.
Preparation for Real Fight
As Pacquiao showcases his lightning-fast punches and incredible conditioning during his training sessions, many are left wondering how much the aging champion has left for a real 12-round fight against a top-tier opponent. Speculation is rife that Pacquiao may come back into the welterweight mix and challenge current titlist Mario Barrios by the end of the year, a fight that many are eagerly anticipating.
Anpo, standing at over six feet tall, will be the tallest opponent Pacquiao has faced in his illustrious career. The catch weight for the exhibition bout is set at 152 pounds, adding an intriguing element to the matchup. This bout could serve as a platform for Pacquiao to fine-tune his skills further in preparation for a potential showdown with Barrios.
The excitement surrounding Pacquiao’s return to the ring is palpable, with many eagerly awaiting the outcome of his exhibition bout against Anpo. With Team-Pacquiao members hinting at a possible showdown with Barrios by the end of the year, fans are on the edge of their seats to see if the iconic boxer can still reign supreme against younger and stronger competition.
Aside from the headline bout between Pacquiao and Anpo, the Super RIZIN 3 card boasts an array of exciting matchups that are sure to keep fans glued to their screens. With names like Mikuru Asakura, Ren Hiramoto, and John Dodson gracing the card, fight enthusiasts can expect a thrilling night of combat sports action.
Through the anticipation and excitement surrounding Manny Pacquiao’s exhibition bout in Japan, one question looms large – is this just a precursor to a more significant comeback? As the boxing world waits with bated breath, only time will tell if the living legend still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.