Manny Pacquiao, the legendary Filipino boxer, stepped back into the ring on Sunday in an exhibition match against Japan’s Rukiya Anpo. The bout took place in Saitama, north of Tokyo, and despite the high anticipation, it ended in a draw. This outcome was primarily because the match, conducted under strict boxing rules, did not have any judges to score the bout. As a result, neither Pacquiao nor Anpo emerged as the clear winner.
Pacquiao, now 45, faced the 28-year-old Anpo, a mixed martial artist and former kickboxer. The height difference between the two fighters was noticeable, with Pacquiao standing at 166 cm compared to Anpo’s 180 cm. This disparity played a significant role in the dynamics of the fight. Despite Pacquiao’s vast experience and legendary status, he struggled to assert his dominance over his taller opponent.
The fight began with both fighters cautiously testing each other. Anpo, under strict instructions and facing a hefty $5 million fine for using any non-boxing moves like back fists or kick feints, adhered strictly to boxing techniques. This constraint was a new experience for Anpo, who is more accustomed to the diverse strategies of mixed martial arts.
As the rounds progressed, it became evident that Pacquiao was not operating at his full capacity. After the match, he admitted to reporters that he was at about “60 percent” of his usual form. He attributed part of his struggle to Anpo’s height, which made it challenging to land effective punches. Despite these difficulties, Pacquiao managed to hold his ground and deliver a respectable performance.
In the final round, both fighters unleashed a flurry of punches. Anpo, leveraging his height and reach, managed to momentarily stagger Pacquiao with a well-placed punch. However, Pacquiao’s resilience and experience allowed him to recover quickly and finish the bout without further trouble.
After the match, Pacquiao expressed his satisfaction with the experience, despite not securing a decisive victory. “I’m OK,” he said, indicating that the bout was a valuable opportunity to shake off some ring rust. He also hinted at a potential return to professional boxing, stating that he plans to “fight in a real fight this year.”
Pacquiao’s career has been marked by incredible highs and significant achievements. He retired from professional boxing in 2021 following a loss to Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugas. His retirement came after a career that saw him become an eight-division world champion, earning him a place among the greatest boxers of all time.
Outside of boxing, Pacquiao has been heavily involved in politics. He began his political career in 2010 as a congressman and was later elected to the Philippine Senate in 2016. In 2022, he made a bid for the Philippine presidency but was unsuccessful. Despite this setback, Pacquiao remains committed to his political career and has announced plans to run for the Senate again in the 2025 mid-term elections under President Ferdinand Marcos’s Federal Party of the Philippines.
Anpo, reflecting on his experience fighting Pacquiao, remarked that he didn’t find Pacquiao’s punches to be particularly heavy, suggesting that they were within his expectations. This comment, along with the mixed reactions from social media users, sparked discussions about Pacquiao’s current form and abilities. Some fans expressed surprise at Anpo’s performance and questioned whether Pacquiao’s skills had declined.
Among the spectators was American professional boxer Ryan Garcia, who provided his perspective on the fight. Garcia acknowledged that Pacquiao’s defense seemed lacking but still saw flashes of the skill and tenacity that made Pacquiao a boxing legend.
In conclusion, while the exhibition match between Manny Pacquiao and Rukiya Anpo did not deliver a definitive victor, it offered a glimpse into Pacquiao’s enduring legacy and his potential future in both boxing and politics. As Pacquiao contemplates a return to competitive boxing and prepares for his political comeback, this exhibition match serves as a reminder of his remarkable career and his undying passion for the sport. Fans and observers alike will be watching closely to see what the future holds for this iconic athlete.
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