MANNY Pacquiao is set for his first fight in almost two years, as he takes on Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo on Sunday in a special exhibition bout at the Saitama Super Arena.
The 45-year-old boxing icon arrived in Japan Tuesday night together with his wife Jinkee and their children after leaving Manila amidst bad weather brought about by typhoon Carina.
It's the first time Pacquiao will climb back into the ring since 2022, when he fought Korean martial artist DK Yoo in a separate exhibition match in Seoul which the Filipino handily won.
The fight with Anpo, the 26-year-old former K-1 super lightweight champion, is set for three rounds.
The bout is being considered a warm-up for a projected comeback title fight for Pacquiao later in the year against reigning champion Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight crown.
READ: IOC thumbs down Pacquiao's bid to fight in Paris Olympics
The only eight-time world division champion retired from the ring in 2021 following his loss to Cuban Yordenis Ugas for the WBO welterweight championship.
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