Fantasy shows, and anime often mix reality and fiction to create an over-the-top mix of fun and hilariousness.
People who watched the CW superhero show DC’s Legends of Tomorrow will remember seeing Barack Obama getting chased by the villain Gorilla Grodd. Recently, season 2 of Baki Hanma also showed Barack Obama, or rather, Barack Ozma, as interpreted in the series.
It isn’t the first time the Baki Hanma anime has shown a former US President. In season 1, George W. Bush made a cameo appearance as well. Apart from the Presidents, famous figures like Che Guevara and Mike Tyson have found themselves in the show. Now, it looks like another man has found himself in the fighting anime, and his inclusion makes more sense than any of the above- Manny Pacquiao.
Manny Pacquiao appears in the Baki The Grappler manga but doesn’t appear as himself but as Mani Akio. He fights with Retsu, which he loses, but even in defeat, he remains calm and dignified. While Mani Akio hasn’t appeared in the Baki Hanma anime till now, it’s expected that he will make a cameo soon.
Manny Pacquiao Cameo in Baki Hanma Anime Explained
The Baki Hanma season 2 anime is speculated to bring boxing legend Manny Pacquiao into the show. The former Filipino boxer competed professionally from 1995 to 2021 and won more weight class titles than any other professional fighter. Pacquiao was also named the 2000s Fighter of the Decade by the Boxing Writers Association of America.
The boxer came from humble beginnings and attained a status where he got glorified. In fact, he’s a well-known and respected politician in the Philippines. Also, he is known for his philanthropic actions, like funding education and building homes for his people. In the Baki The Grappler manga, the boxer is shown respectfully.
In the manga, he is called Mani Akio, which reflects everything he is professionally and personally. The anime celebrates the legendary man through the Akio name. He fights Retsu, and instead of a match showing physical domination, it’s one of endurance and tactics.
In the end, Retsu wins, but Mani’s grace, even in defeat, and his words of caution to his opponent leave spectators stunned. It reminds readers that the Baki anime or manga isn’t just about beating one with raw power. Instead, it’s more than that. It’s about reputation, dignity, and honor as well.
Besides Pacquiao, Muhammad Ali, or Mohammad Alai (as he is named), has also appeared in the Baki boxing manga. He is known for his calm demeanor and is a person who is known for always having control over his emotions and himself. So multiple legendary boxing personalities have shown up in the Baki The Grappler manga.
Even though Manny Pacquiao, or Mani Akio, is in the manga, there has yet to be any confirmation regarding his appearance in season 2 of the Baki Hanma anime till now. However, since he is in the manga, chances are he will also show up in the animated series.
Baki The Grappler manga fans are excited to see Manny Pacquiao or Mani Akio appear in the anime. As of now, it’s a wait-and-watch to see if or when he shows up.
The Baki Hanma season 2 is currently streaming on Netflix.
What are your thoughts about Manny Pacquiao or Mani Akio appearing in the Baki The Grappler manga?
Will we see him soon in the currently airing season 2 of Baki Hanma anime? Will he be treated respectfully like in the manga, or will it be controversial like the Barack Obama appearance?
Let us know in the comments below.
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