Netflix dropped episodes 5 and 6 of Physical: Asia on November 4, 2025. In the latest episode, Team Philippines captain and boxer Manny Pacquiao exited the show midway because of “another obligation” in his home country. His exit from Physical: Asia is likely tied to professional commitments outside the show.
After four years away from boxing, the Filipino icon returned to the ring on July 19 this year, facing WBC welterweight titleholder Mario “El Azteca” Barrios at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. He also recently took on the role of Vice President of the International Boxing Association.
The latest installment featured the season’s first knockout round, the ‘Ball Stealing’ match. Episode 5 marked departures for Thailand and Indonesia following five consecutive duels. In the Thailand-Philippines face-off, round two was a 2-on-2 battle with Manny Pacquiao and Ray Querubin taking on Superbon and James Rusameekae.
Thailand secured that round. However, the Philippines later prevailed in the death match. Soon after, Pacquiao exited the competition, and CrossFit athlete Hernandez stepped in for Team Philippines. Speaking about his departure, Pacquiao said:
“I wanted to take a moment and apologise to everyone. I have to leave the competition and return to 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.”
He added:
“I really wanted to win the challenges. And I am just wondering what we’re gonna 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 Phillipines.”
Physical: Asia reimagines Physical: 100 as a country-against-country contest, assembling 48 high-level athletes from South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Türkiye, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines.
Inside efforts to bring Manny Pacquiao on Physical: Asia
Manny Pacquiao (Image via X/@netflix)
Manny Pacquiao’s entry in Physical: Asia immediately drew attention. From the opening episode, competitors across nations reacted visibly as he walked in with Team Philippines. Pacquiao joined the Netflix series after being directly approached by the production team. During an online press briefing reported by outlets such as The Philippine Star, Pacquiao described how the offer came to him.
“I was excited [at] that moment over the opportunity to join,” he stated.
Show creator Jang Ho-gi outlined their efforts to secure his participation.
“In the case of Manny Pacquiao, we really reached out to him often, many times. He actually invited us to his home in the Philippines. We were treated to a nice home meal and got to see him train. After the meal, we explained the show, and that day, he said yes,” Ho-gi asserted.
Who is Justin Hernandez in Physical: Asia?
Justin Hernandez (Image via Instagram/@justigas)
Justin Hernandez, the Philippines’ hybrid athlete, has a background in triathlon, bodybuilding, and CrossFit. He stands as the nation’s first male CrossFit Games competitor and a four-time CrossFit Open national titleholder. Hernandez began bodybuilding in 2009 and won his division at the 2014 Gemmalyn Crosby Sports Festival.
He later coached at SkyHigh Fitness near Manila, where he connected with CrossFit trainer Nikko de Guzman. In the ongoing Team Representative Match in Physical: Asia, Sack Toss, Justin competed against Australia’s Eddie and Korea’s Amotti. The result of that round remained unannounced at the episode’s close.
Episodes 1–5 of Physical: Asia are currently available to stream on Netflix, with the next set releasing on November 11.
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Edited by Shreya Jha