Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s unexpected departure from the reality competition show ‘Physical: Asia’ has ignited allegations of unfair practices, especially as South Korea emerged as the winner. His exit occurred after the deathmatch round, with Pacquiao citing urgent obligations back in the Philippines as the reason for leaving.
Manny Pacquiao’s Exit and Replacement
Pacquiao’s exit surprised many, particularly competitors from other teams. When they arrived on set the following day, there were inquiries about Team Philippines’ sudden captain change. He apologized to his teammates and encouraged them to continue competing fiercely. Hybrid athlete Justin Hernandez took over as the new captain shortly after Pacquiao’s departure.
Controversial Challenges for Team Philippines
This season of ‘Physical: Asia’ featured several contentious moments, specifically during the Sack Toss challenge. Reports indicated that producers altered the challenge’s rules, deviating from planned procedures. Fans were frustrated when time limits were cut unexpectedly, causing speculation about the potential impact on the competition’s outcomes.
- Initially, the challenge was set to gradually increase sack weights and decrease time limits.
- Instead, there was an abrupt time cut which many believed affected the results.
These inconsistencies raised questions not just about Team Philippines, but also about how decisions were being made throughout the competition, particularly in light of Pacquiao’s departure.
Accusations of Bias Against Other Teams
As the competition progressed, skepticism grew, especially after Australia and Japan faced questionable eliminations. Fans pointed out various issues:
- Australia’s Battle Rope Relay was marred by unclear scoring due to faulty sensors.
- Japan’s Castle Conquest challenge faced mechanical failures affecting their performance.
Social media users voiced concerns regarding South Korea’s apparent ease in advancing through tasks, further fueling allegations of favoritism.
Korea’s Victory and Viewer Discontent
By the time Korea and Mongolia faced off in the final six-on-six challenge, suspicions about production bias reached a peak. Despite Korea taking the championship, many viewers expressed their disappointment, feeling the outcome was too predictable given the show’s Korean production and setting.
The Ongoing Debate About Transparency
Pacquiao’s departure intensified discussions about fairness and transparency in reality competitions. His exit highlighted potential flaws in the show’s structure and cast doubt on the integrity of certain outcomes. As the buzz around ‘Physical: Asia’ continues, viewers are torn between enjoying the show and questioning its legitimacy.
Despite the controversies, the series remains popular, ranking in the Top 10 Non-English Netflix shows across multiple countries, with 3.6 million views recorded from November 3 to 9.
