Manny Pacquiao smiles during a press conference ahead of his exhibition bout against Rukiya Anpo in Super RIZIN 3 on Sunday at Saitama Super Arena in Japan.–MP Promotions/Wendell Alinea
TOKYO—Manny Pacquiao’s latest exhibition match on Sunday will also mark his first ring appearance in Japan since 1998 when he was still an up-and-comer.
Throughout his 26-year pro boxing career, Pacquiao only fought in the country currently in its golden age with a slew of world champions bannered by one of the top pound-for-pound fighters today in two-division undisputed champion Naoya Inoue.
On May 18, 1998, a 19-year-old Pacquiao stopped Japanese Shin Terao in the first round of their flyweight bout at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo. The fight was also Pacquiao’s first outside Philippine soil.
READ: ‘Professor’ Pacquiao masterclass looms in Japan exhibition
WATCH: Manny Pacquiao hops on a time machine back to 1998 when he first fought in Japan. He fights again here at Saitama Arena on Sunday in an exhibition. | @MarkGiongcoINQ pic.twitter.com/DWJokyQVcF
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That bout led to his maiden crack at a world title which took place seven months later in Thailand where he knocked out home bet Chatchai Sasakul to snatch the WBC flyweight belt.
“It’s nice to be back in Japan. I’m excited on Sunday. It’s been a long time,” said Pacquiao during a press conference at Westin Hotel Tokyo on Friday.
Pacquiao, of course, went on to conquer seven more divisions to become the only fighter to win titles in eight different weight classes—an achievement deemed nearly improbable to replicate.
READ: Pacquiao foe Rukiya Anpo risking $5 million fine in exhibition
Pacquiao takes on Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo, a former K-1 champion, in a three-round exhibition on Sunday to headline Super RIZIN 3 at Saitama Super Arena.
The bout is set at a 152-pound catchweight.
“I hope we can give a good fight and make the Japanese fans happy.”