Manny Pacquiao exits Netflix’s Physical: Asia midway through the season

Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most popular fighters in the history of the sport, is taking on a new kind of challenge — this time on Netflix.

The eight-division world champion made his streaming debut on Physical: Asia, a regional spin-off of the hit Korean reality series Physical: 100, where elite athletes from across Asia compete in grueling physical challenges for the top prize.

The 46-year-old sports icon led Team Philippines, which features a six-member roster composed of sambo fighter Mark Mugen, strongman Ray Jefferson Querubin, rugby player Justin Coveney, hurdler Robyn Lauren Brown, and CrossFit athlete Lara Liwanag.

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However, in a surprising turn of events, Pacquiao exited the show midway through the season, citing “another obligation” in the Philippines. His departure was revealed in Episode 5, released on November 4, 2025, where he announced his decision at the end of the episode.

“I wanted to take a moment and apologize to everyone. I have to leave the competition and return to the Philippines because of another obligation in my home country. Also, I just want to apologise to my team. We came here with one goal. To show the capacity and capability of Team Philippines,” Pacquiao said.

.@MannyPacquiao exited the @netflix reality competition Physical: Asia in Episode 5, citing “another obligation” in the Philippines as his reason for leaving. The People’s Champ announced his early exit during the show and apologized to both his team and the audience.

“I have… pic.twitter.com/vsAqbO7SEM

— Peanut Gallery Media Network (@PGMNOfficial) November 5, 2025

“I really wanted to win the challenges. And I am just wondering what we are going to do for the next challenge. That’s been my mindset, you know? Just keep on going, no matter what. So, like, it’s hard, but I’m happy to be part of this season. As a team captain, I was really proud to have an opportunity to represent the Philippines,” he added.

While the boxing icon did not disclose the specific reason for his departure, reports suggest it may be tied to his professional commitments after recently resuming his boxing career following a four-year hiatus.

Following Pacquiao’s exit, Justin Hernandez will take over as Team Philippines’ new captain. Hernandez, a decorated CrossFit athlete, is the first Filipino male competitor to qualify for the CrossFit Games and is a four-time CrossFit Open national champion.

Physical: Asia expands on the original Physical: 100 format by bringing together top athletes from across the continent. The series showcases competitors from disciplines such as MMA, boxing, Wushu Sanda, and CrossFit, while adding new talent from countries across Asia and Oceania.

This season features 48 contestants from eight nations — Australia, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Turkey — all battling it out in challenges designed to test strength, endurance, teamwork, and strategy.

According to the show’s producers, this season draws visual and thematic inspiration from Korean mythology and royal architecture, incorporating elaborate sets, folklore-based guardians, and monumental strength challenges.

With Pacquiao’s unexpected departure, it remains to be seen how Team Philippines will adapt and whether the new leadership can inspire the same energy and determination that the Filipino boxing icon brought to the competition.

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