Nearly three years removed from his last appearance inside the squared circle, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao returned to the spotlight on Sunday as part of the Super RIZIN 3 card in Saitama, Japan.
‘PacMan’ dawned the eight-ounce gloves once again for an exhibition bout with Japanese kickboxer and former K-1 lightweight champion Rukiya Anpo.
Round 1
Anpo gets things started with a few jabs to gauge the range before landing a nice right hand to the chin of Pacquiao. ‘PacMan’ doubles up on the jab and Anpo lands a nice combination. Anpo throws a right hand, but Pacquiao ducks under and lands over the top. Double jab and a right hand from Anpo, but Pacquiao slips it and avoids taking any danger. Anpo goes to the body and then throws a left jab.
Pacquiao goes to the body but eats a couple of shots up top followed by a body shot. With seconds left, Anpo lets his hands go and appears to have the upper hand on Pacquiao thus far.
Round 2
Anpo continues to pump his jab, keeping Pacquiao from getting inside and landing. Anpo unleashes a three-punch combo punctuated by a right hand that lands. Pacquiao dances around near the ropes and lunges forward with a jab, but can’t connect. Pacquiao narrowly misses with a right hand. Anpo looks to respond, but Pacquiao uses the close range as an opportunity to unleash his own combo. Anpo changes levels and goes to the body.
Anpo throws a double jab and Pacquiao fires back with a few strikes, but is just out of range. The second round comes to a close with both fighters standing in the center of the ring, but offering no additional offense.
Round 3
Anpo brings the pressure early and unleashes a left hook. Pacquiao ducks under and goes to the body. Anpo loads up with the right and Pacquiao attempts to respond. Both fighters are beginning to let their hands go with Anpo swinging big, looking for the knockout blow. Anpo lands a nice right hand, but ‘PacMan’ protests that it landed on the back of the head.
Anpo goes to the body followed by a left hook upstairs. Anpo is unleashing everything he has with 60 seconds to go. With 25 seconds left, we’ve got an all-out slugfest with Pacquiao attacking the body as Anpo is looking to land up top. Pacquiao lands a nasty uppercut, but Anpo eats it and keeps moving forward. Both fighters flash a smile as they continue to throw hands through the final bell.
Official Result: Manny Pacquiao vs. Rukiya Anpo is ruled a draw
Check Out Highlights From Manny Pacquiao vs. Rukiya Anpo at Super RIZIN 3:
https://x.com/RIZINTV_/status/1817511020694299109
https://x.com/ABEMALive_usa/status/1817515655085826373
