No dent on ‘fightability’
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 27 Aug 2024
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:
WBC 63th Annual Convention Opens in Bangkok
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 02 Dec 2025Undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor closing out a strong 2026
Tue, 02 Dec 2025USA Boxing Announces Partnership with Xempower USA
Tue, 02 Dec 2025THE RING 6: TEOFIMO-SHAKUR SET FOR JANUARY SHOWDOWN IN NEW YORK
Tue, 02 Dec 2025Undefeated Middleweight Dante Kirkman Set to Return December 11 in Costa Mesa
Tue, 02 Dec 2025Dejon Farrell Francis Turning Things Around
Tue, 02 Dec 2025WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David 'The Mexican Monster' Benavidez Excited About History-Making Cinco De Mayo Showdown with Gilberto Ramirez
Tue, 02 Dec 2025PPV.COM RETURNS TO THE RING LIVE STREAMING ALL-ACTION TITLE TILT ISAAC "PITBULL" CRUZ vs. LAMONT ROACH, JR
Tue, 02 Dec 2025Llover Eyes Winner of Salas-Ngexeke IBF Title Duel in Mexico
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 01 Dec 2025Jimuel draws in pro debut
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 01 Dec 2025Kevin Durant sets new NBA record
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 01 Dec 2025LAZARO LORENZANA CAPTURES WBC REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE OVER LUIS ARIAS
Sun, 30 Nov 2025Paras fails bid for IBO world super fly title
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 30 Nov 2025BIRMINGHAM FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS: BEN WHITTAKER CELEBRATES A WINNING START WITH MATCHROOM BOXING
Sun, 30 Nov 2025ThunderDome 52 Results: Clarke Defeats Seidu by Controversial Split Decision
Sun, 30 Nov 2025