If there’s one thing we’ve learned from Physical: 100, it’s that the most famous or accomplished athletes rarely end up victorious. In Season 1, MMA legend Choo Sung Hoon (aka Yoshihiro “Sexyama” Akiyama) made it to the final eight but didn’t claim the ultimate prize. Season 2 saw Kim Dong Hyun, another high-profile MMA fighter, fall short. The pattern suggests that being an elite fighter isn’t necessarily an advantage in this competition.
Why? Because Physical: 100 isn’t just about strength—it’s about adaptability, endurance, and strategy. Fighters and strongmen tend to have skill sets tailored for one-on-one combat, while Physical: 100 favors cross-fitters, obstacle course specialists, and those with insane body control.
In this setting, size and power can sometimes be a disadvantage rather than an asset.
Pacquiao may have been one of the fastest boxers in history, but he’s now 46 years old. Competing against much younger, more specialized athletes in physically punishing challenges could be a tough ask. His agility and stamina are legendary, but this isn’t the squared circle—it’s a battlefield of brute force, endurance, and puzzles designed to test every inch of the human body.
Some challenges could also pose an image problem for Pacquiao. What happens if he’s pitted against a female competitor in a grappling-style event? The internet would have a field day with memes, and any misstep could stir controversy—something a politician of his stature would want to avoid.
And then there’s the terrain. How will Pacquiao fare in a muddy tug-of-war? A crate-pushing incline challenge? A raw survival test where brute strength and teamwork play key roles? The unpredictability of these missions makes it difficult to gauge how he’ll perform.
Beyond the competitive thrill, Pacquiao’s decision to join Physical: Asia is clearly a strategic move. He’s already a global icon, but this is a golden opportunity to reintroduce himself to a tech-savvy, streaming audience—one that may not necessarily watch boxing or follow Philippine politics. In a world where staying relevant is just as important as past achievements, this could be a calculated way to maintain his brand. After all, his name alone has weathered all kinds of political storms.
There’s always the possibility that Pacquiao will pull off a shocker. His footwork, experience, and mental toughness might help him adapt in ways we don’t expect. If Physical: Asia has more speed-based or endurance-heavy missions, he could surprise a lot of doubters.
Still, history suggests that high-profile names in this franchise rarely win. Pacquiao may be one of the biggest stars to ever step onto the Physical: 100 stage, but that doesn’t guarantee he’ll be the last one standing.
Or maybe we’re all about to eat our words.