Manny Pacquiao tries to land a punch against Japan’s Rukiya Anpo in their three-round exhibition at Saitama Super Arena in Japan.–MP Promotions/Wendell Alinea

SAITAMA, Japan–Manny Pacquiao wanted a real fight and Rukiya Anpo made sure to bring it on Sunday.

What was expected to be a light workout for Pacquiao turned out to be a tough three-round test for the boxing legend eyeing a potential comeback later in the year.

“This is a good tuneup for me to come back in boxing. And I realized a lot of things to develop more and work on,” said Pacquiao, who is in talks to challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in October or November.

“Anpo is strong and he fights well even though he didn’t have enough experience in boxing.”

The 6-foot Anpo was too big as well for Pacquiao, who gave up seven inches in height.

“Anpo is too big for me,” admitted Pacquiao, who was originally slated to face 5-foot-8 Chihiro Suzuki before a late switch.

Paris aims to reset the Olympics with audacious Games and a wow openingParis aims to reset the Olympics with audacious Games and a wow opening

Anpo, a former K-1 champion and martial artist, said he was trying to knock Pacquiao out but just couldn’t despite his glaring size advantage.

“This is my first time boxing against a legend. I’m very inspired by the way he fought despite the size difference,” said Anpo.

The fight was set at a 69-kilogram catchweight with no judges’ decision.