Japanese kickboxer confident of holding own vs Pacquiao

TOKYO – Manny Pacquiao’s upcoming opponent — a kickboxer — believes he has enough skills to be worthy of sharing the ring with the boxing icon for three rounds.

A former K-1 super lightweight champion, Rukiya Anpo boasts about standing his ground against a former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion during a recent sparring session that had gone viral on social media.

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Former K-1 champion Rukiya Anpo's intense boxing sparring session against 40-pound-heavier Sean Strickland. This took place during the former UFC champion's visit to Tokyo last week. pic.twitter.com/tTPmmMMZ2G

— Beyond Kickboxing (@Beyond_Kick) June 25, 2024

The 28-year-old Anpo recently sparred former UFC middleweight titlist Sean Strickland when the latter was on vacation here. Despite being significantly lighter than Strickland, Anpo made a good account of himself, even as he ended up being on the receiving end of a beating.

For Anpo, who ended up bloodied and bruised even with a headgear against Strickland, the intense sparring session only proves he can also box.

"I already have some (boxing) foundation. That's why I can spar with Sean (Strickland)," the local fighter said in a recent promotional video by Rizin, which is promoting Sunday’s showcase bout with Pacquiao at the Saitama Super Arena.

"I already have some (boxing) foundation. That's why I can spar with Sean (Strickland)."
Rukiya Anpo (@anpo_rukiya) feels confident he can challenge Manny Pacquiao.

Watch on #RIZINtv!
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— RIZIN.tv (@RIZINTV_) July 25, 2024

Anpo has a kickboxing record of 27-8-1, with 14 KOs. He also figured in an MMA bout just last year, which he lost via submission.

Now, he is set to embark on a boxing match against one of the sport’s greatest fighters.

“Even if you trained yourself to death for a month, I don't think he (Pacquiao) is an opponent you can beat,” conceded Anpo, acknowledging the tough task ahead.

But the Japanese striker, standing six feet tall, enjoys a significant height advantage over Pacquiao, adding intrigue to their exhibition bout.

“I already have the basics of boxing,” Anpo insisted.

That, according to him, is all he needs.