Louie Sison
Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao returned to the ring on Sunday, July 28, 2024 for an exhibition match against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. In front of a packed crowd of 48,000 fans, the two fighters went toe-to-toe for three rounds, with the bout ultimately ending in a draw.
The 45-year-old Pacquiao, who last fought professionally in August 2021, was eager to put on a show for the Japanese audience. However, he faced a formidable challenge in the 28-year-old Anpo, a champion kickboxer who enjoyed significant height and reach advantages over the Filipino legend.
A Clash of Styles
Despite the exhibition nature of the fight, both men came out firing from the opening bell. Anpo, who was making his boxing debut, surprised many with his aggressive approach and ability to land clean shots on Pacquiao.
The Japanese fighter used his jab effectively, keeping Pacquiao at range and making it difficult for him to unleash his trademark combinations. Anpo also showed impressive power, rocking Pacquiao with an overhand right in the third round and forcing the Filipino to dig deep into his arsenal.
Pacquiao, for his part, displayed flashes of the brilliance that made him an eight-division world champion. He tried to bore in on Anpo, landing body shots and attempting to set up his vaunted left hand. However, Anpo’s size and movement made it challenging for Pacquiao to sustain his offense.
No Clear Victor
With no official scoring in place for the exhibition, the fight was declared a draw after the final bell. Both men had their moments throughout the three rounds, but neither was able to gain a decisive advantage.
After the fight, Pacquiao complimented Anpo’s performance. “He’s strong and fights well even though he lacks experience. He’s also way bigger than me,” said Pacquiao, who weighed in at 154 pounds compared to Anpo’s fight night weight of over 180 pounds.
Anpo, elated by his showing against a boxing legend, revealed that he had been training in boxing for the past few years. “I really want to finish him off but he’s tough,” said Anpo. “His punches weren’t really heavy. I’m having fun, I feel like I’m on a roll.”
Looking Ahead
For Pacquiao, the exhibition served as a “good tune-up” as he considers a potential return to competitive boxing later this year. “I hope this is not the last,” Pacquiao said after the fight, hinting at his desire to continue fighting.
However, the Filipino icon acknowledged that he has work to do if he is to resume his career at the highest level. Pacquiao admitted to being only “60 percent” for the bout against Anpo and realized that he needs to sharpen his skills if he is to compete against top welterweights.
The exhibition also raised questions about Pacquiao’s future in the sport. While his warrior spirit remains intact, the effects of age were evident in his performance against Anpo. Some observers, such as The Ring Magazine’s Jake Donovan, questioned how much Pacquiao had trained for the fight and expressed reservations about his ability to compete against elite opposition at this stage of his career.
A Spectacle for the Fans
Despite the inconclusive result, the Pacquiao-Anpo exhibition provided an entertaining spectacle for boxing fans. The sight of a living legend sharing the ring with a rising star from a different combat sport generated significant interest and excitement.
The event also showcased the enduring popularity of Pacquiao, who remains one of the biggest draws in boxing even in the twilight of his career. The packed arena and global media attention surrounding the fight were testaments to the Filipino icon’s star power and the affection he commands from fans around the world.
The Future of Exhibitions
The Pacquiao-Anpo bout is part of a growing trend of high-profile exhibition matches featuring retired or aging boxing stars. In recent years, fighters such as Floyd Mayweather Jr., Mike Tyson, and Roy Jones Jr. have participated in these events, which offer a nostalgic appeal and the opportunity to see legends in action once again.
While some purists may dismiss exhibitions as mere spectacles, they serve an important role in keeping boxing in the public eye and attracting casual fans to the sport. They also provide aging fighters with a way to stay active and earn paydays without the same risks associated with competitive bouts.
As long as there is demand from fans and willing participants, exhibitions are likely to remain a fixture of the boxing landscape. However, it is crucial that these events are properly regulated and that the health and safety of the fighters remain paramount.
Conclusion
The exhibition match between Manny Pacquiao and Rukiya Anpo may not have produced a clear winner, but it delivered an entertaining show for fans and provided a glimpse into the current state of Pacquiao’s skills.
While the Filipino legend showed flashes of his brilliant best, he also displayed the inevitable signs of age and ring rust. His performance against Anpo raised questions about his ability to compete at the highest level of the sport and will undoubtedly factor into his decision-making regarding his future in boxing.
Regardless of what lies ahead, Pacquiao’s legacy as one of the greatest fighters of his generation is secure. His accomplishments in the ring and his impact on the sport will endure long after he hangs up his gloves for good.
As for Anpo, the exhibition offered a unique opportunity to test his skills against a boxing legend and raise his profile on the global stage. While he may not have secured a victory, he earned respect for his performance and showed that he has the potential to make an impact in the boxing world if he chooses to pursue that path.
In the end, the Pacquiao-Anpo exhibition was a reminder of the enduring appeal of boxing and the power of its biggest stars to captivate audiences around the world. It may not have been a fight for the ages, but it provided a memorable moment for fans and a fitting chapter in the storied career of one of boxing’s true icons.
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