FILIPINO boxing legend Manny Pacquiao takes on Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in an exhibition match in the main event of Super RIZIN 3 at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on Sunday.

The match, with a 152-pound catchweight, is a three-rounder under boxing rules.

More than a quick cash grab, Pacquiao, as seen in his training clips, is taking his second exhibition fight seriously for a potential return in competitive boxing.

Reportedly, the world's only eight-division boxing champ is using this Anpo fight to test his readiness for a comeback bid at the pro ranks.

Pacquiao last fought in the pros in August 2021 when he lost to Cuban Yordenis Ugas via unanimous decision.

Multiple reports surfaced that Pacquiao is interested in challenging reigning World Boxing Council welterweight champion Mario Barrios later this year, and this Anpo fight will determine if he has enough left in the tank to scale competitive boxing anew.

Pacquiao, 45, sports a 62-8-2 win-loss-draw card and is seen as a favorite to win against Anpo, who is a last-minute replacement to compatriot and fellow mixed martial artist Chihiro Suzuki.

Suzuki withdrew from the fight due to a hand injury.

A seasoned kickboxer, Anpo could pose some problems with his youth and height, though.

The 28-year-old is a former K-1 super-lightweight champion and is 5 inches taller than the 5-foot-6 Pacquiao.

Anpo, however, has to watch himself as any strike attempt outside boxing rules will have him paying a penalty of $5 million, as per RIZIN Fighting Federation president Nobuyuki Sakakibara.

Pacquiao's first exhibition bout came in December 2022 when he dominated South Korean DK Yoo in their six-round boxing fight.

Pacquiao's next target was supposed to be Thai Muay-Thai champion Buakaw Banchamek in a six-round match in April but it was canceled.

That led Pacquiao to find another fight against Suzuki, who just had to be replaced by Anpo.

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