Manny Pacquiao Joins Netflix’s Physical: Asia Competition

SEOUL, South Korea — The latest season of Netflix’s competition series, Physical: Asia, has launched with a spectacular twist. Filipino boxing icon Manny ‘PacMan’ Pacquiao is set to lead the Philippine team in this multi-national showdown, which features contestants from eight different countries.

Premiering October 28, Physical: Asia brings together 48 elite athletes competing in various challenging physical tasks. The series builds upon the success of its predecessor, Physical:100, which first aired in 2023.

Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion, entered the arena to an enthusiastic welcome, causing a stir among both contestants and the production crew. Explaining his participation, he said, ‘I’ve always wanted to represent the Philippines in a competition like this.’ His commitment to the series was solidified after a personal visit from the production team that included a training session and dinner.

According to series creator Jang Ho-gi, Pacquiao’s presence adds significant prestige to the show. ‘He is the only eight-division world champion in boxing history,’ Jang noted. The show promises to highlight not only physical prowess but national pride, as teams vie for a grand prize of ₩1 billion ($730,000).

The format deviates from the individual-centric challenges of the previous season, instead emphasizing teamwork and collaboration as each team, led by a sports icon, aims for victory.

Pacquiao’s contribution brings a new narrative to the competition, with athletes from other countries expressing awe at the chance to compete under his leadership. As one contestant remarked, meeting Pacquiao was akin to ‘meeting the person who defined what a champion means.’

This season not only tests competitors’ physical limits but also serves as a cultural exchange, uniting athletes under the theme of friendly rivalry. With Pacquiao steering the Philippine team, expectations are high for an exciting and dramatic season ahead.