Manny Pacquiao puts his chances of fighting for the WBC welterweight title at 45 in jeopardy for a scheduled exhibition on July 28.
Pacquiao faces six-foot kickboxing champion Rukiya Anpo at Super RIZIN 3, knowing his long-drawn-out plans to challenge WBC ruler Mario Barrios are hanging in the balance. Should the boxing legend lose against a non-boxer, his career would undoubtedly be over at 45.
Accepting the fight he promised to Nobuyuki Sakakibara when inking an agreement with the RIZIN boss years ago, Pacquiao had to put off other challenges to honor his contract. A clash with Buakaw Banchamek, reportedly worth $25 million between the combat stars, was called off as Pacquiao didn’t have the time to follow through. He now enters the lion’s den aiming to do similar to what Floyd Mayweather has done twice against inexperienced kickboxers.
Mayweather has knocked out two RIZIN-signed fighters in the past, and Pacquiao is highly favored to follow suit despite the disadvantages of height, reach, and weight.
A victory would lead to Barrios, who has already been approved by the World Boxing Council, to put his belt on the line against the former Filipino Senator. Barrios’ trainer, Bob Santos, previously told World Boxing News his charge was firmly on board.
“I think it would be a tremendous fight for the fans. Pacquiao always keeps himself in great shape, as does Barrios,” Santos told WBN exclusively. “Styles make fights, and I think it would be a tremendous fight. The one thing about Pacquiao is that he always keeps himself in great shape. Never see him overweight; therefore, guys like him can last a long, long time.”
Manny Pacquiao’s fight options
If Pacquiao can win against Anpo and impress, he may have more than one option for a title shot. Eimantas Stanionis, the WBA titleholder, recently informed WBN of his interest in facing ‘Pac-Man’ while at the same time adding his intentions to unify with Barrios.
“Facing Manny Pacquiao is a nice fantasy fight for me. The opportunity would be a dream come true. Our styles would make for a guaranteed war. It would be a great opportunity for a legend to fight for the title again.
“But I have been speaking to PBC about several fighters. Barrios is one of the top names on my list. We all know that the 147 division is blown up. I know I will be unifying titles from all belt holders soon. There are also big names in the 140lb division looking to move up in weight. I see many possibilities,” he added.
The ball is on Pacquiao’s court. He needs to win next week in Japan to set that ball in motion.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
