Netflix’s Physical franchise producer reveals Manny Pacquiao was the inspiration behind the whole series

Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most popular fighters in the sport’s history, recently stepped into a new arena — 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 athletes from across Asia compete in grueling physical challenges for the top prize.

However, 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, when he announced his decision at the episode’s conclusion.

The Philippines’ team struggled to cope with Pacquiao’s absence. His replacement, Justin Hernandez, was unable to lead from the front, resulting in the country’s exit from the Netflix competition after falling short in a tense elimination round aired on Tuesday, November 11.

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The Philippines became the third nation to leave Physical: Asia, following Thailand and Indonesia, as the team struggled to match the strength and skill of powerhouse competitors from Korea and Australia.

Before stepping into the #PhysicalAsia arena, #MannyPacquiao is said to have inspired the creation of the entire franchise. In an interview, the producer credits the boxing legend as the driving force of the show.

See what the producer had to say: https://t.co/fD6c2xH8yf pic.twitter.com/qwYNnAdeht

— Preview.ph (@previewph) November 12, 2025

Despite the exit, the series’ producer Jang Ho Gi, who created the first two seasons of Physical: 100, revealed that Pacquiao was the “inspiration behind the whole franchise.”

“I always wanted to work with him, so whenever I had the chance, I would go to see him whenever he came to Korea, or I would contact him. He told me that he enjoyed watching both seasons of Physical: 100, and I said that we would love to invite him for the next season. He was very willing to take it,” Ho Gi said.

“We were very worried, because he has already been there, done that, and it would be a big challenge for him to participate, because he is not very young and he has already done everything. But he didn’t hesitate. He was like, ‘I want a challenge, and I want to show everyone what I have got.’ We were very pleasantly surprised that he took it right away,” he added.

Physical: Asia expands on the original Physical: 100 format by bringing together top athletes from across the continent. Competitors come from disciplines including MMA, boxing, Wushu Sanda, and CrossFit, with new talent representing nations across Asia and Oceania.

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

Even outside the boxing ring, Pacquiao continues to inspire millions worldwide. His exploits in the ring have left an enduring legacy, demonstrating courage, determination, and resilience that transcend sports.

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