Manny Pacquiao has been urged to stay retired after a difficult exhibition on an apparent comeback trail.

The only eight-weight world champion returned to the ring for a clash against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo, but was ‘beaten up’ in a difficult fight, which, luckily for the 45-year-old legend, was declared a draw by default.

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Pacquiao strugglerd in a worrying three-round exhibitionCredit: RIZIN
Pacquiao is in talks to make a full professional comeback in a WBC world title shot against Mario Barrios, which has been pencilled in for later in 2024.

But BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom believes it simply shouldn’t be happening, though he is understanding of his motivations for returning.

He told talkSPORT.com: “I think it’s so hard for fighters, you have seen it in the Olympics with athletes coming back.

“We’ve seen so many fighters come back, you always think back to Muhammad Ali and the damage that those last fights had on his life.

“It is very hard as a promoter to say it, but equally if you have enough money in the bank you have to protect your health.

“I think it showed in that exhibition that it really should be the end, but ultimately stranger things have happened.

“As I say fighters are addicted to that buzz and it is very hard to replace it in those final years.”

Shalom was not the only person to be worried about the Pacquiao comeback.

Former rival, and WBC champion, Shawn Porter said: “When I turned it on and I saw how thick Manny looked I said well he hasn’t been working. Then when you see him getting hit with shots that we know back in the day he would’ve batted down or moved out of the way, his eyes aren’t right. That’s because he hasn’t been training.

“Then we see him missing shots that he would’ve hit guys with two or three times. We can never expect him to be the old Pac, but when you ain’t working on it, you ain’t coming close to anything that you think you can do on fight night.”

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Shalom understands why Pacquiao is doing it, but hopes that it is shelvedCredit: Getty

Pacquiao looked a shadow of himself as his tallest-ever opponent landed almost two shots per every one he hit back.

Although he ended stronger, it was a worrying sign for the veteran who could have quite easily been defeated if the fight was scored.

‘Pac Man’ hasn’t fought competitively since losing to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021, after which he hung up his gloves as a professional.

The wider consensus is that he made the right decision, but with his political career on a break, he is after one last hurrah.

It is expected to be 147lbs champion Barrios if he returns providing checks are completed and Pacquiao is sanctioned to fight again.

His adviser, Sean Gibbons, believes it is a very ‘winnable’ fight despite the legend being far from his physical prime.

“It’s a 50-50 fight but a very winnable fight for Manny,” said Gibbons. “Barrios is the perfect fighter.

“He has the right style because he’s there to be hit and he brings it. He wants to mix it up.

“Over the next month or so, we’ll either be able to make the fight or won’t. It’s very important to get a fight in by December.

“This is a very important time right now. We have a very short window.

“Manny is like a fine bottle of wine and getting better and better as he ages. He hasn’t lost his speed, power or passion. He loves to fight.

“If I didn’t think he could fight at the highest level, I would advise him against it and to do something else.”