The 100 List Style Living Self Celebrity Geeky News and Views
In the Paper BrandedUp Watch Hello! Create with us Privacy Policy

Manny Pacquiao to star in Netflix's 'Physical: 100' spinoff 'Physical: Asia'

Published Feb 04, 2025 5:10 pm

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is joining Netflix's Physical: Asia, a spinoff of the South Korean reality television competition Physical: 100.

Pacquiao will represent the Philippines in the competition.

The streaming giant noted Pacquiao being revered worldwide as the only boxer in history to acquire titles in eight weight divisions.

"[He] brings his formidable talent and indomitable spirit to this team-based clash of champions," Netflix said.

Unlike the original competition, where only one winner will emerge out of 100 participants, Physical: Asia will be a team game.

If a team member falls, the entire group is eliminated.

Netflix also shared photos of Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee at the airport as they head to the show's filming location.

"He's not a K-idol, pero si idol pa rin 'yan! Manny Pacquiao has arrived in Korea for Physical: Asia," the caption read.

Physical: Asia will premiere in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Physical: 100, which had two seasons, first aired in 2023.

The series received critical acclaim for "shattering the gender barrier" as women also competed on par with male athletes.

It also made history as the first Korean reality TV show to top Netflix's Global Top 10 Non-English TV Series list.

In July 2024, Pacquiao was named ESPN's top Asian athlete of the 21st century.

Pacquiao, now 46, started boxing in the '90s.

Throughout his career, he defeated boxing legends like Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Oscar De La Hoya, and Miguel Cotto.

Dubbed the "People's Champ," Pacquiao has a record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, with 39 of his wins via knockout.

After retiring from boxing in September 2021, the former senator made an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2022.

He has since competed in exhibition matches against former WBA super bantamweight champion Jesus Salud, Korean YouTuber DK Yoo, and Japanese mixed martial artist Chihiro Suzuki.