FANS are begging the legendary Manny Pacquiao to “never fight again” as he “looked 100 years old” in his latest exhibition.
The 45-year-old Filipino is the only eight-division world champion in the history of boxing and won twelve major world titles during his heyday.
But these days he has been getting involved in money-spinning exhibitions – including one against his tallest opponent ever.
Pacquiao took on 6ft Rukiya Anpo, who is 7 inches taller, this weekend and struggled against the 28-year-old physically imposing Japan ace.
And PacMan was also on the receiving end of some tough punishment throughout their encounter.
Most of those who watched gave Anpo the decision on the unofficial scorecards after he towered above the icon.
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But there were no judges present at ringside, meaning the contest was scored an official draw by default.
However, after seeing how much damage Pacquiao had received, it seems that most of his supporters are wanting him to call it a day.
Especially as he had been eyeing a potential comeback to the ring.
One fan said: “Old Manny Pacquiao putting on a 3 round BANGER at RIZIN – got absolutely worked over in this exhibition and should never fight again.”
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Another said: “Pacquiao seems like he lost his speed and Anpo was fast and brave.”
A third wrote on X: “Pacquiao is getting knocked about, this kid has got a straight jab like an arrow and it lands everytime.”
As a fourth commented: “Pacquiao looking 100 years old and getting destroyed by Anpo at RIZIN.”
One suggested: “This is embarrassing… Rukiya Anpo dominated Manny Pacquiao. But this fight was a draw because it’s an exhibition boxing match.”
Anpo landed a number of big shots in the first, with his experienced opponent unable to counter due to the distance.
PacMan did attempt some combinations in the second but he struggled again in the third.
He was on the back foot as Anpo, a kickboxing champion, unloaded before he responded with a huge uppercut going into the final minute.
Pacquiao still wants to make more history in the ring and has been in talks to challenge WBC welterweight champ Mario Barrios for the title.
A victory there would make him boxing’s oldest current world champion, with Carlos Adames, 40, currently having that accolade with his middleweight title.
Mike Tyson’s controversial comeback
Mike Tyson is BACK!
Yes, boxing’s youngest heavyweight champ of all time – just 20 when he achieved the feat – is preparing to lace them up again.
He faces YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on July 20 in Texas.
The controversial clash – set for the 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium in Dallas – has been scrutinised over the 30-year age gap.
Tyson will be 58 by the time the fight for the ages comes around and nearly 20 years removed from his last professional contest.
He was last seen in the ring in November 2020 for an exhibition with fellow legend Roy Jones Jr, which ended a draw after eight rounds.
Paul is meanwhile 9-1 in the ring, losing only to Tommy Fury in 2023, and has won three times since.
His fight with Tyson will also be a landmark first on Netflix, with over 250MILLION subscribers able to watch the bout.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
