Manny Pacquiao to join Korean athletic reality show ‘Physical: Asia’

Manny Pacquiao is set to represent the Philippines in Physical: Asia, a survival competition series and spinoff of the popular Korean reality show Physical: 100. The highly anticipated show is slated for a global release in late 2025.

Pacquiao’s participation was confirmed in a press statement by a streaming platform on Tuesday, February 4, emphasizing that he will compete with the nation's pride at stake.

"Pacquiao, renowned as the only boxer in history to claim championships across eight weight divisions, brings his exceptional skill and unwavering determination to this high-stakes team-based battle," the statement read. "His involvement underscores the show’s heightened ambitions a thrilling clash among Asia’s elite athletes, where national pride is on the line."

Accompanying the announcement, the platform also shared images of the Filipino boxing legend and former senator, along with his wife Jinkee, arriving at an airport in South Korea.

Physical: Asia builds upon the premise of Physical: 100, pitting top athletes from various nations against one another in intense physical challenges. Participants will compete in teams, and the stakes are even higher if one team member fails a challenge, the entire team is eliminated.

In its original format, Physical: 100 featured elite athletes, sports influencers, and fitness professionals competing in rigorous individual and team-based contests, with the ultimate goal of determining the individual with the “most ideal human physique.”

Pacquiao, widely known as the “Pambansang Kamao” (National Fist), is one of the most iconic athletes in Philippine history. He remains the only boxer to win world titles in eight different weight classes and became the oldest welterweight world champion at 40. He officially retired from boxing in 2021.

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