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.
PPV SPARRING ????
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)."
— RIZIN.tv (@RIZINTV_) July 25, 2024
Rukiya Anpo (@anpo_rukiya) feels confident he can challenge Manny Pacquiao.
Watch on #RIZINtv!
???? https://t.co/LChPUvqSqh
???? 7/28
????????????????12am CT
????????????????6am
????????????????7am
???? Saitama Super Arena pic.twitter.com/11HMu8uJlG
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.