Manny Pacquiao looked nothing like an old man in a three-round showdown against former boxer Rukiya Anpo last Saturday night at the Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan.
Pacquiao looked weak, slow, and weak, beaten in the ring by the stork-like 6’0″ Anpo last night. If you are a fan of Pacquiao, it was hard to watch because he was hit hard by this Japanese fighter who did not take him lightly.
The former kickboxer took a shot at Pacquiao, and surprisingly, he stayed on his feet without being knocked down or hit. Any strength that Manny once had was absent from Anpo, and he didn't have the blazing hand speed either.
It is unclear how much Pacquiao was paid for the exhibition match against Anpo. Whatever it was, he got his money's worth by taking all those heavy shots from the tall Japanese fighter, who was loading up on his punches and looking to roll over against the star.
Pacquiao's inactivity since 2021 has taken a toll on him, and he lacks the energy he once had. Manny will return soon to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight belt. Hopefully, Pacquiao will change his mind after his performance against Anpo.
Barrios recently beat Yordenis Ugas, a fighter Pacquiao lost to in 2021. That's not a good sign for Pacquiao because he is fighting at a very high level to not beat him for the WBC welterweight title.
Not many boxing fans are in favor of Pacquiao fighting for a world title against Barrios in his first fight back since 2021. Maybe Manny can regain his old magic and defeat Barrios, but he will have to improve his strength to do so.
Apart from the health reasons affecting Pacquiao, 46, who is about to fight for the world title, it is not right for the WBC's top 15 fighters to jump over them to win a title he has not yet earned. earned.
Pacquiao is not ranked in the top division at welterweight and is not aiming for a world title. If he wants to do an exhibition match against Barrios, that would be great, but not for his title.
Manny looks like he can beat the top 15 fighters in the welterweight division, but not many. I would like Pacquiao to beat these top contenders:
Conor Benn
Paddy Donovan
Cletus Seldin
Lewis Crocker
Harry Scarff
Tresean Wiggins
All the other contenders at 147 could have beaten Pacquiao, and many will knock him out.
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