Manny Pacquiao says Anpo exhibition a ‘good tuneup’ for comeback

Manny Pacquiao tries to land a punch against Japan’s Rukiya Anpo in their three-round exhibition at Saitama Super Arena in Japan.–MP Promotions/Wendell Alinea

SAITAMA, Japan–Manny Pacquiao wanted a real fight and Rukiya Anpo made sure to bring it on Sunday.

What was expected to be a light workout for Pacquiao turned out to be a tough three-round test for the boxing legend eyeing a potential comeback later in the year.

“This is a good tuneup for me to come back in boxing. And I realized a lot of things to develop more and work on,” said Pacquiao, who is in talks to challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in October or November.

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“Anpo is strong and he fights well even though he didn’t have enough experience in boxing.”

The 6-foot Anpo was too big as well for Pacquiao, who gave up seven inches in height.

“Anpo is too big for me,” admitted Pacquiao, who was originally slated to face 5-foot-8 Chihiro Suzuki before a late switch.

READ: Manny Pacquiao brushes aside size disparity vs Anpo

Anpo, a former K-1 champion and martial artist, said he was trying to knock Pacquiao out but just couldn’t despite his glaring size advantage.

“This is my first time boxing against a legend. I’m very inspired by the way he fought despite the size difference,” said Anpo.

The fight was set at a 69-kilogram catchweight with no judges’ decision.