Manny Pacquiao has been urged to retire after his difficult exhibition in Japan.

The only eight-weight world champion returned in an exhibition clash against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo. Still, it was ‘beaten up’ in a difficult fight, which luckily was declared as a draw by default.

Pacquiao is in talks to make a full professional comeback in a WBC world title shot against Mario Barrios, which has been pencilled in for later in 2024.

But BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom believes it simply shouldn’t be happening, but is understanding of his motivations for returning.

He told  “I think it’s so hard for fighters, you have seen it in the Olympics with athletes coming back.

“We’ve seen so many fighters come back, you always think back to Muhammad Ali and the damage that those last fights had on his life.

“It is very hard as a promoter to say it, but equally if you have enough money in the bank you have to protect your health.

“I think it showed in that exhibition that it really should be the end, but ultimately stranger things have happened.

“As I say fighters are addicted to that buzz and it is very hard to replace it in those final years.”

Pacquiao looked a shadow of himself as his tallest-ever opponent landed almost two shots per every one he hit back.

Although he ended stronger, it was a worrying sign for the veteran who could have quite easily been defeated if the fight was scored.

‘Pac Man’ hasn’t fought competitively since losing to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021, after which he hung up his gloves as a professional.