Pacquiao begins Japan workouts; Penalty clause confirmed in fight
Manny Pacquiao began his Japan workouts in Tokyo in preparation for his exhibition fight against Japanese Rukiya Anpo on Sunday.
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PACQUIAO BEGINS WORKOUTS IN TOKYO TO PREPARE FOR ANPO FIGHT
Furthermore, Pacquiao began his workouts at the Kyokuto Gym in Tokyo on Wednesday afternoon.
This is in preparation for his weekend exhibition bout against Anpo.
The 45-year-old boxing superstar conducted his workout with head trainer Buboy Fernandez.
He managed to stay in shape despite his inconsistent training in General Santos City.
Pacquiao arrived in Japan on Tuesday evening with his wife Jinkee and children.
Moreover, the eight-division world champion is out to regain the speed and power in display against the 26-year-old Anpo, a former K-1 super-lightweight champion.
Pacquiao is out to put on a show in his return to the ring against the 6-foot Anpo at the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo this weekend.
Additionally, Anpo will be Pacquiao’s tallest opponent – professional or exhibition-wise.
He defeated 5-foot-11 Antonio Margarito for the World Boxing Council super welterweight crown in Arlington, Texas, in 2010.
PENALTY CLAUSE CONFIRMED IN PACQUIAO-ANPO FIGHT
Moreover, a penalty clause was confirmed in the Pacquiao-Anpo fight as confirmed by RIZIN boss Noboyuki Sakakibara.
According to the clause, Pacquiao will earn an additional USD5 million (£3.9 million) if Anpo resorts to illegal strikes such as a kick.
Furthermore, Floyd Mayweather Jr’s two exhibition matches with RIZIN against two martial artists included the penalty clause as well.
“Any violation will be punishable by a USD5 million fine. At the time of the Tenshin versus Mayweather (fight) in 2018, that was approximately JPY500 million (£2.5 million),” Sakakibara said.
“However, due to the weak yen, that figure is now around JPY700 million,” he added.
Interestingly, Pacquiao and Anpo agreed to the fight with a strict boxing rules-only arrangement.
PACMAN TRUSTS SAKAKIBARA IN HEEDING PENALTY CLAUSE
Furthermore, Pacquiao is convinced that Sakakibara will heed the penalty clause in the fight.
“Sakakibara-san is a trusted person. He helps many fighters, and we should always be thankful to (him) for promoting them,” the Filipino ring icon said.
Moreover, Pacquiao will use the fight as a gauge if he is capable of coming out of retirement to face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title.
Should Pacquiao take care of business against Anpo, the WBC is ready to sanction a title bout against Barrios in October or November.
Meanwhile, Barrios welcomes the idea of defending his title against Pacquiao.
“Manny Pacquiao is a future Hall of Famer, a legend, and someone I looked up to growing up,” the WBC champion said.
“I’m very excited at the possibility of this (Pacquiao) fight being made. To share the ring with him would be an honor and a dream come true,” he added.
