Philippines boxing legend Manny Pacquiao (R) fights against Japanese mixed martial artist Rukiya Anpo during their three-round exhibition boxing match at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama on July 28, 2024. (Photo by Yuichi YAMAZAKI / AFP)

The exhibition match between Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and Japanese mixed martial artist Rukiya Anpo concluded in a draw on Sunday.

The bout, held in Saitama, north of Tokyo, was declared a draw due to the absence of judges. Pacquiao, at the age of 45, faced challenges in overpowering Anpo, a 28-year-old MMA fighter.

The exhibition adhered to strict boxing regulations.

Anpo, a former kickboxer, had been previously informed that he would incur a $5 million penalty if he employed any non-boxing techniques, such as a back fist or a feigned kick, during the upcoming fight.

Following the commencement of the match, both competitors engaged in a cautious assessment of each other’s capabilities. However, despite his valiant efforts, the 166-centimeter Pacquiao was unable to overcome the height advantage of his 180-centimeter opponent throughout the three-round contest.

The final round witnessed an intense exchange of punches, with Anpo’s relentless assault briefly causing Pacquiao to lose his balance and stagger backward.

“I’m OK,” Pacquiao told reporters, adding he was at about “60 percent” of his full capacity.

Anpo's height was cited as a contributing factor to his inability to knock out his opponent, according to the former world champion.

Additionally, he expressed his intention to engage in a genuine fight within the current year. Following his defeat to Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas, Pacquiao retired from professional boxing in 2021.

Transitioning to politics, he began his career as a congressman in 2010 and later secured a more prominent role in the Senate in 2016. Despite forgoing the opportunity to seek re-election in the Senate, he pursued the presidency in the May 2022 election, ultimately facing a significant defeat.

Pacquiao is anticipated to re-enter the political arena in the 2025 mid-term elections, announcing his candidacy for the Senate under President Ferdinand Marcos's Federal Party of the Philippines during a statement to local journalists in May.

Anpo said he “didn’t really feel like (Pacquiao’s) punches were too heavy… They were all within my expectations,” he said.

Certain social media users expressed astonishment at Anpo’s unexpected performance.

“What happened to Pacquiao?” one wrote on social media platform X.

“Pacquiao’s decline was more than I imagined,” another said.

Professional boxer Ryan Garcia, who observed the fight from the ringside, shared his insights with reporters. He noted that he still detected remnants of Pacquiao’s previous capabilities.

“I didn’t think his defence was too good,” Garcia said.

AFP