In a recent exhibition match on the latest RIZIN card in Japan, Manny Pacquiao faced off against former kickboxer Rukiya Anpo. The bout, which lasted three punishing rounds, ended in a draw. Pacquiao seemed to struggle throughout the fight, taking repeated hits from Anpo, who towered over him at 6ft. Despite some flashes of his former glory, Pacquiao appeared to be a shadow of his former self.
It was evident from the match that Pacquiao couldn’t find his rhythm and was consistently picked off by Anpo’s shots to the head and body. The 45-year-old boxing icon seemed to be outclassed by his opponent and failed to deliver a convincing performance. Fans watching the fight took to social media to highlight the harsh reality that “Father Time remains unbeaten.”
After the exhibition match, speculation arose about Pacquiao’s potential return to professional boxing to challenge welterweight titlist Mario Barrios later this year. However, based on his performance against Anpo, many believe that Pacquiao should reconsider his decision to step back into the ring. The physical toll of the fight and Pacquiao’s inability to keep up with his opponent’s pace have raised concerns about his fitness for competitive boxing.
Following Pacquiao’s bout, Ryan Garcia expressed interest in facing either Anpo or Pacquiao himself in an upcoming match. Despite being currently banned from boxing in the US, Garcia is eager to participate in a RIZIN card in Japan. While fans may be intrigued by the prospect of Garcia entering the ring, the focus remains on Pacquiao’s future in the sport.
As calls for Pacquiao to retire escalate, it is clear that his latest exhibition match has sparked doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level. While Pacquiao showed resilience by smiling through his swollen face after the fight, the consensus among fans and critics is that it’s time for him to call it a day. The physical toll and lackluster performance against Anpo serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by aging athletes in combat sports.
Manny Pacquiao’s exhibition match in Japan has shed light on the harsh reality of his current standing in the boxing world. Despite his legendary status, Pacquiao’s performance against Anpo has raised concerns about his ability to continue competing at the top level. As the boxing community contemplates Pacquiao’s next move, one thing is clear – the time may have come for the iconic fighter to hang up his gloves and retire from the sport he has dedicated his life to.