Manny Pacquiao‘s plan for a return to the ring was dampened after an underwhelming exhibition performance this month.
This past weekend, the eight-division world champion faced kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in a three round spectacle at the Saitama Super Arena. Pacquiao gave away height and reach in the bout – which was scored a draw as most exhibitions are – but fans and analysts still said the performance showed strong signs that he should not be considering a professional return to the sport.
It poured cold water on the talk of a fight against WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios, whose team have been in negotiations to face the 45-year-old.
Pacquiao previously set a record as the oldest champion in that division back in 2019 and would break it should he return and win.
Speaking to World Boxing News, President of the WBC, Mauricio Sulaiman, said he had heard about Pacquiao’s showing in Japan before confirming that the sanctioning body wouldn’t get involved unless the fight was presented to them officially.
“I didn’t watch the exhibition. But I heard he didn’t look good. We do not have any petition for the WBC to review, and as you know, we don’t operate on personal opinions but rather the WBC Board as a group. So let’s see what comes up next.”
Sulaiman has previously backed the idea of the Filipino fighting legend’s return pending medical checks, saying he ‘likes the idea very much’.
