Philippines, 14 Oct 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


No dent on ‘fightability’


PhilBoxing.com





While there was widespread talk in social media that Manny Pacquiao should forget about plans of a farewell fight for a world title after an uneventful performance in a three-round exhibition in Saitama, Japan, recently, MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons said knowledgeable promoters weren’t swayed by the reaction from netizens.

“Sure, the Senator wasn’t at his best but I think the guys who know boxing understand what went down in Japan,” said Gibbons. “Art Haymon and PBC (Premier Boxing Champions) know. Luckily, Manny had a lot left to survive a bigger and stronger opponent and in the third round, showed he’s still got it. We’re working on his title shot and it’ll be against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.”

Gibbons said he’s confident Pacquiao’s skills will carry him through what will be his swan song in a legacy fight. “Manny’s 45 and Barrios is 29 but Barrios isn’t Terrence Crawford and Manny’s not fighting Crawford,” he said.

In Saitama, Pacquiao took on Japanese mixed martial arts champion Rukiya Anpo before over 40,000 fans. Anpo was a late replacement for another Japanese kickboxer Chihiro Suzuki who was supposedly injured in training. Suzuki is four inches shorter than the six-foot Anpo and weighs less than 145 pounds. Anpo scaled 151.5 in a “private” weigh-in that wasn’t monitored by Pacquiao’s team while Pacquiao tipped in at 150. The weight limit for the fight was 150. But Anpo looked like he weighed about 10 more pounds than Pacquiao. The only way Anpo could win was by stopping Pacquiao since the fight had no judges. Anpo bullied Pacquiao in the first round, was held on even terms in the second and took some big shots in the third. The outcome was announced as a draw.

There was confusion at the weigh-in. A respected Pacquiao confidant who was in Saitama suggested to withdraw. Anpo took his recovery food earlier than Pacquiao and had the advantage of regaining weight sooner because of his “private” weigh-in. The promoters conducted a “private” and “public” weigh-in. Pacquiao wouldn’t deny the fans who paid good money to witness the fight. “Sa laban kay (Floyd) Mayweather, may injury si Senator pero ‘di umayaw, ito pa kaya?” noted an insider.

Gibbons said the switch from a small to a big opponent was a danger sign. The use of a foamy canvas was expected since the event was mainly for MMA but it hampered Pacquiao’s mobility. A cushioned canvas protects MMA fighters from hard takedowns. Whether or not there was chicanery involved, the show went on and Pacquiao didn’t back down. As always, he showed the heart of a champion.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 13 OCTOBER 2025: Ennis Wipes Out Lima; Vianello Defeats Barriere; Makhmudov Outpoits Allen
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Omar Juarez Set for Homecoming Clash Against Omar Rosario on October 18 i
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • BLAZEN ROCILI, THE 6’3” FILIPINO GIANT, SCORES DOMINANT 2ND-ROUND TKO OVER ORLANDO SALGADO IN AURORA, COLORADO
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • YORK HALL FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE CONFIRMED AS KIERON CONWAY VOWS TO TEACH 'OVER CONFIDENT' RIVAL GEORGE LIDDARD A LESSON
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Pedro Veitia Set to Face Fellow Unbeaten Xavier Ceron on October 18 in Texas, Live on DAZN
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Jesse Espinas Victorious, New IBF Asia Champion
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Naseem Hamed Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Kiddie Chess Tournament Goes to Farmers Plaza
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Manny Pacquiao vs. Rolly Romero in January 2026? Boxing Legend Eyes One More Run at Glory
    By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • 11 martial arts in BP 2025
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • NM Medina beats Slovak GM, draws with FM Castellano to win the 8th AQ Prime FIDE Standard Open Chess Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • “The Wonder Boy” Carl Jammes Martin Ready to Shine October 29 at the 50th Anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila (Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 19: JOE FRAZIER FIGHTS ALI, QUARRY AND ELLIS AGAIN
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Berchelt captures "Reynosa" WBC commemorative belt after triumphant return
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Supeyia Fights Mamdouh in Brico Santig’s Thailand Show; Elmo Traya and Raymond Yanong Also in Action Oct 25 LIVE on TrillerTV
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • PIJUS LABUTIS MAKES HISTORY WITH MAIDEN MATCHROOM MAJOR TRIUMPH IN HANOI
    , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • ARSLANBEK MAKHMUDOV DEFEATS DAVE ALLEN AND DEMANDS TO FACE AJ NEXT
    , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • Domingo faces Fajardo in Thrilla in Manila 2 Countdown
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • Doroma-Aranas 2 on October 13
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • OFFICIAL WEIGHTS FOR FISTS OF FURY 8, TOMORROW NIGHT AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO HOLLYWOOD
    , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • Alvin Camique Busts the "Mafia" in Tanzania!!!
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • DAY FOUR: NEUHAUSEN, CAPITO, VERGARA AND LABUTIS CHARGE INTO SEMI-FINALS IN HANOI
    , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • RED OWL BOXING BOXFEST XVI LIVE ON DAZN RESULTS: DEONTE BROWN DEFEATS GRIMARDI MACHUCA
    , Sat, 11 Oct 2025
  • SBA Expands Scouting Tour to Discover New Talents for Season 2 Team Expansion
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 11 Oct 2025
  • Alvin Camigue KOs unbeaten Ibrahin Mafia in Tanzania
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 11 Oct 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.