Manny Pacquiao's Struggles in Exhibition Match Leave Fans Worried

Manny Pacquiao faced a tough challenge in an exhibition match against Japanese fighter Rukiya Anpo, who stood seven inches taller at 6ft, making him Pacquiao's tallest opponent to date.

In a match that was difficult to watch, the Filipino boxing legend took a significant beating in what turned out to be a back-and-forth battle. Despite managing to counter well at times, many fans felt Anpo had the upper hand, thanks to his height advantage and ability to box from a distance.

The bout ended in a draw, as there were no official judges present to score the fight.

Fans were unimpressed with the 45-year-old Pacquiao, urging him to retire for good instead of making a full comeback by the end of 2024. One fan commented, "Pacquiao looks like he's 100 years old and got destroyed by Anpo at RIZIN." Another agreed, saying, "Old Manny Pacquiao put on a three-round banger at RIZIN but was absolutely worked over. He should never fight again."

Another fan remarked, "This is embarrassing... Rukiya Anpo dominated Manny Pacquiao. But it was a draw because it's an exhibition match."

The opening round saw Pacquiao struggling to close the distance, taking a significant beating as he attempted to counter. Anpo landed several big shots, marking Pacquiao above the eye. In the second round, Pacquiao tried to throw combinations, but without scorecards, he seemed to be trailing behind.

Anpo continued to dominate in the third round, with Pacquiao on the defensive. The former multi-weight world champion managed to land a powerful uppercut in the final minute, but it was not enough to turn the tide.

Pacquiao had plans to make a full comeback before the end of 2025, aiming to make history in the professional boxing ranks. Widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, Pacquiao's prime years saw him defeating legends like Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, and Miguel Cotto between December 2008 and November 2009. His memorable battles with Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Juan Manuel Marquez are still talked about today. He eventually fought Floyd Mayweather in 2015, losing by unanimous decision.

In an astonishing move, Pacquiao is in talks to challenge for the WBC welterweight title against current champion Mario Barrios, aiming to become the sport's oldest current world champion at 45, surpassing Carlos Adames, who holds a middleweight title at 40.

However, fans are now concerned about Pacquiao's health, questioning if such a fight can proceed. Any return to the ring will need to happen before the end of the year, as Pacquiao also hopes to continue his presidential campaign in the Philippines.