Rukiya Anpo says boxing Manny Pacquiao made him a better puncher: "I think my boxing ability is gained"

Rukiya Anpo's time competing in boxing against legend Manny Pacquiao has helped him develop better punching power, a tool he believes will come in handy when he opens his ONE Championship account this week.

The 30-year-old former K-1 champion faces veteran Armenian striker Marat Grigorian in a featherweight kickboxing bout at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena on Sunday, Nov. 16.

During the ONE 173 final press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 'Demolition Man' opened up about how his stint in the sweet science has elevated his game and made him a more complete striker for his hotly anticipated debut in the world's largest martial arts organization.

"I'm happy that I've been able to practice kickboxing, and yes, of course, while I couldn't do anything about kickboxing, I've done boxing [a July 2024 exhibition bout against Manny Pacquiao], which I didn't really like. But to be able to train in a boxing manner, I think my boxing ability is gained. So I'm a more complete kickboxer now. So right now, I'm looking forward to showcasing my fight to everyone at the venue on Sunday," Rukiya Anpo said.

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His claim suggests confidence that his improved hands will catch Grigorian off guard and provide advantages the veteran won't anticipate.

Could Anpo's improved boxing lead to a stunning upset, or will Grigorian's experience prove too much? Share your predictions below!

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Rukiya Anpo confident he will outclass "aging" Marat Grigorian in Tokyo

Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA ahead of fight night, Rukiya Anpo declared that it won't be long before he becomes the face of the promotion's featherweight kickboxing division.

"Marat is aging, while I'm a newcomer in the organization. That means I will build the new era of this division, and I will be the true star in this division," the Tokyo-based martial artist shared.

Fight fans can purchase their PPV passes for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri at live.onefc.com. ONE Championship's blockbuster return to Tokyo features five world title fights across MMA, Muay Thai, and kickboxing inside the Ariake Arena.

Follow One Championship News, Schedule & Results at Sportskeeda.

Edited by Aziel Karthak