Pacquiao Drew Against Huge Kickboxer

On July 28 in Saitama, Japan, an exhibition boxing match took place between legendary Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) and local kickboxer Rukiya Anpo.

The bout was scheduled for 3 rounds of 3 minutes each in the 69 kg weight class. According to the exhibition rules, if the fight went the distance, it would be declared a draw, meaning the only way to win was to secure a knockout.

Throughout the 3 rounds, Anpo appeared to perform better than the 45-year-old Pacquiao, but he was unable to finish the fight early – resulting in a draw.

Pacquiao’s next opponent could be Mario Barrios (29-2, 18 KOs), as mentioned by the President of the World Boxing Council (WBC) and Ready To Fight advisor Mauricio Sulaiman in early July. Sulaiman confirmed that the organization would approve a fight between Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title (up to 66.7 kg).

“I really like this idea. I think Pacquiao can beat any fighter or be competitive with any fighter today,” Sulaiman said.